Honorary commanders get glimpse of 412th MSG mission

A group of community leaders and their guests visited Edwards Air Force Base as part of the Honorary Commanders Program March 16.

The Edwards HCC Program is designed to build awareness and working relationships between the base and the local community. Each honorary commander is paired with a group or squadron commander, or civilian leader. They hold their HCC title for two years.

Roughly every quarter HCCs get invited on base and provided a behind-the-scenes look at different command groups and how they operate. This time, the 25-plus honorary commanders and their guests were hosted by Col. George Tromba, 412th Mission Support Group commander, to get an inside look at the MSG mission.

The group visited the 412th Security Forces Squadron’s K-9 Military Working Dog Section to learn about the K-9 mission and their critical support of outside agencies. The group first toured the kennels and met all the military working dogs and their handlers. The HCCs learned how both K-9 security forces defenders and their K-9 officers train, along with how the dogs are capable of apprehending and detaining individuals while serving as backup for their handlers. 

“The dogs are trained to bite and hold till the handler takes control of the situation,” said Tech. Sgt. Darren Pretlow, 412th Security Forces Squadron.

The HCCs and their respective military commanders also received a demonstration of the “six phases of aggression of suspect apprehension.” 

“This showcases the dog’s ability to assist in apprehending and detaining individuals while highlighting the physiological deterrent of military working dogs,” Pretlow said.

Next, the HCCs received a tour and briefing of the 412th Communications Squadron’s spectrum analysis truck. The truck finds and tracks down “rogue” signals that interfere with flight test data, voice and telemetry frequencies. These rogue signals can degrade, limit, or even block the quality of test data streams that Edwards aircraft transmit to ground control rooms. 

The Edwards flight test mission is to collect and process data to enable leaders to make the most informed decisions for the Air Force and the nation. If the test data is contaminated, this would require test teams to re-fly missions ultimately costing hundreds of thousands of dollars in redundant costs.

The group then traveled to the shooting range near the Rod and Gun Club. They were greeted by the 412th SFS commander, Maj. Gilbert Wyche, who briefed the group on current security forces vehicles, equipment and weapons. The HCCs watched a “Shoot, Move, Communicate, Proficiency, Fire Demonstration” that shows the tactical agility and security forces’ utilization of cover fire.

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The HCCs then received a firearms briefing and speed shooting demonstration by Francis “Len” Paris, 412th Civil Engineer Group and Rod and Gun Club member. Paris explained how the HCCs and the local community can become members of the base Rod and Gun Club, which provides a safe place to shoot.

The next briefing was from Damion Jones of the 412th Force Support Squadron Community Service Flight. Jones spoke about the services offered to Airmen and the local community. He explained how individuals can learn how to fly and earn a pilot’s license for under $7,000 from the Aero Club. Jones also invited the HCC group and their commanders to the Fourth of July Summer Bash and concert and challenged them to get more involved in base activities.

Dick Taylor, Kern County Veterans Service Department director and Edwards honorary commander, shared his experiences of the day.

“I have a great appreciation for the behind-the-scenes-view of the military working dogs and their handlers,” Taylor said. “The incredible connection these dogs have with the dedicated men and women who care, train, and deploy with them is inspiring. The Air Force Security Forces are committed to the safety of military personnel, their families, contractors and DOD employees at Edwards AFB.  The professionalism, talent, and commitment of our Security Forces is impressive.”

The honorary commanders are encouraged to invite their Edwards commanders to experience their workplace in the surrounding communities as well.  The next HCC event in early May will highlight the mission of the 412th Maintenance Group.