Army National Guard unit finds Muskogee airport perfect for training

June 25, 2013
Despite its original purpose as an airfield to support Camp Gruber, Davis Field Airport hadn't been consistently used to train soldiers with the Oklahoma Army National Guard's Aviation Operations Battalion in more than two decades.

June 25--MUSKOGEE -- Despite its original purpose as an airfield to support Camp Gruber, Davis Field Airport hadn't been consistently used to train soldiers with the Oklahoma Army National Guard's Aviation Operations Battalion in more than two decades.

Last week the Lexington-based 1-245th Aviation Operations Battalion established a tactical control tower and an air traffic navigation and coordination system at the airport and will continue to manage operations there until Friday as part of its two-week annual training exercise.

"It's an exceptional opportunity," said Maj. Pete Barger, the unit's commander.

Using the airport allows air traffic controllers to maintain or acquire the 80 hours required yearly for their highest proficiency level, which could otherwise be difficult to obtain, state aviation officer Col. John Harrison told Muskogee's mayor, city manager and fire chief at a meeting Monday.

Mayor Bob Coburn formally welcomed the unit as Harrison and soldiers in the unit expressed their gratitude to the city and airport management.

"We're happy to be in Muskogee," Harrison said.

The unit develops and establishes airfields for joint military operations and provides airfield services like weather and fuel maintenance, airfield management, and tower and radar services.

"The more we can operate the equipment, the better," Harrison said, describing Davis as a good fit for training.

The field's proximity to Camp Gruber and the opportunity for controllers to interact with civilian pilots make Davis Field a desirable location, Barger said.

Soldiers have had to travel as far as Alabama to complete annual training in past years, said Sgt. Steven Montoya of Vinita.

"It's kind of a mess moving all of our stuff down," he said.

Montoya and Sgt. Jason Glover of Washington, Okla., paused from training lower-level air traffic controllers to speak with reporters on Monday.

Glover likes Muskogee and Camp Gruber because they're close to home while also being far enough away to limit distractions.

Spc. Rowdy Blackmon of Atoka, who performs air traffic control maintenance and repair, said the training has provided valuable experience providing on-call maintenance for the battalion's equipment and systems.

The unit approached the city of Muskogee about using the airport earlier this year and spent about three months coordinating use of the airport and its air space.

Barger said the city was "very receptive" to allowing the unit to train at Davis Field.

He was hopeful the established relationship would culminate in future weekend and annual training events at the airport.

Amanda Bland 918-581-8413

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