366 OG honorary commanders day

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- Capt. Jeffrey Digsby, 726th Air Control Squadron flight commander, briefs Honorary Commanders about the 726th ACS mission and capabilities May 2 as part of the 366th Operations Group Honorary Commander’s Day. The Honorary Commanders toured the various parts of the 366th OG to better understand its mission. The wing-level program pairs civic leaders with squadron, group and wing leaders to enhance the relationships between local communities and the base. It also provides a rare glimpse of life on a military installation to members of neighboring communities -- many of whom have no connection to the Air Force or prior knowledge of the military. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Jasmine Reif)

366th OG hosts honorary commanders

Published May 13, 2008
By Senior Airman Megan P. Lyon
366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- Members of the 366th Fighter Wing's Honorary Commanders program visited the base May 2 for a tour of the 366th Operations Group.

The wing-level program pairs civic leaders with squadron, group and wing leaders to enhance the relationships between local communities and the base. It also provides a rare glimpse of life on a military installation to members of neighboring communities -- many of whom have no connection to the Air Force or prior knowledge of the military.

"This tour was a great opportunity for the honorary commanders to see first-hand the mission of the 366th OG," said Lt. Col. Richard Coe, 366th OG deputy commander.

At the beginning of the tour, the honorary commanders met for lunch at the 390th Fighter Squadron followed by a briefing from Col. John McMullen, 366th OG commander at the time, about the group's mission and abilities.

After the briefing, the honorary commanders viewed the flightline from a bird's eye perspective from the air traffic control tower, followed by a simulation showing how air traffic controllers guide all aircraft in the base's airspace.

The group also visited the 266th Range Squadron and 726th Air Control Squadron to see how the two unique squadrons contribute to the 366th OG mission through static displays and question and answer sessions with squadron personnel.

Afterward, the group toured the Boeing F-15E mission training center, giving each member the opportunity to see what it's like to pilot a fighter jet.

"The flight simulator was great," said Jerry Rost, 391st Fighter Squadron honorary commander. "I didn't even crash."

During their year as honorary commanders, the community and business leaders also receive an up-close look at each of the wing's groups, including medical, maintenance and mission support. They will wrap up their year as honorary commanders during an air expeditionary force day later this summer.