Wing welcomes the 18th Air Force Tanker Winter Symposium

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Amanda Callahan
  • 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Preparations are coming to a close as the 319th Air Refueling Wing anticipates the arrival of several tanker units for the upcoming 18th Air Force Tanker Winter Symposium Feb.7.

"The symposium is a gathering of all 18th Air Force active duty tanker units to share in professional development, training and fun," said Maj. Tim Parker, 911th Air Refueling Squadron's assistant director of operations. KC-10 units from McGuire AFB, N.J., as well as KC-135 units from Fairchild AFB, Wash., McConnell AFB, Kan., MacDill AFB, Fla., and Robins AFB, Ga., will meet here to network and share experiences between briefings and overviews.

"We've really beefed up the professional development and training side this year," said Major Parker. "We've brought in some experts to speak about safety and operational risk management to help mitigate risks we may be taking out there."

In addition to safety, operational concerns and future developments will be addressed. Speakers from the 509th Weapons School, Air Mobility Command and Tanker Airlift Control Center are also on the agenda.

The key note speaker will be Maj. Gen. Pete Peterson, Director of Operations, Headquarters Air Mobility Command.

"Weapons officers are the tactical experts for the KC-135 and KC-10 tankers," said Capt. Justin Hendricks, 319th Operations Support Squadron.

"We've included maintainers as well," said Major Parker. "It is more than just an operations group event."

"Having maintainers involved in the events gives both Ops and Maintenance a good opportunity to enhance their relationship and to build camaraderie between the two groups," said Capt. Aarti Puri, 319th Maintenance Squadron.

"We've incorporated some team building events for esprit de corps, such as the Grand Forks AFB unique human dog sled race," added Major Parker. "Most people think of February as the worst time to visit Grand Forks, but we'll show them a way to enjoy the weather and the local community. But the meat and potatoes of the symposium is the training we'll receive."

"The symposium will allow the maintainers from different units to do some networking with each other and compare notes," added Captain Aarti. "The trip to the University of North Dakota aviation center will also give them a chance to see how a civilian operation is run. Hopefully they will return to their units with some fresh ideas."

According to Major Parker, many members of the 319th Air Refueling Wing were involved in the significant task of planning for the symposium. "Services and the 319th Mission Support Group have been very helpful with everything from lodging for our guests to the fitness center providing a location for the bulk of our games."

"Attendees should leave with a better understanding of the big picture and a better feel for tanker tactics and training," Major Parker said. "Hopefully the networking will provide a means for us to help each other in our processes and procedures."