The Ohio Air National Guards 178th Wing hosted a Community Day for local organizations on Thursday at the base.
The event, which consisted of a briefing on the wing’s capabilities and a base tour, had record participation for recent years, said Elaine Bryant, executive vice president for aerospace and defense at the Dayton Development Coalition.
“This is just a wonderful turnout,” said Bryant, “As a community, it’s not just the mission that happens here inside the gate, it’s also what’s happening just on the other side of the gate.”
The 178th provides support to combatant commanders with critical intelligence and is prepared to support a strategic environment that is rapidly changing, locally and federally.
“I am a Springfield native,” said Lt. Col. Cassandra Ostrowsky, Deputy Commander of the 178th Mission Support Group, “As a kid growing up here, I didn’t know this base existed. I actually left and went active duty. Once I finally learned there was a base here, I was really excited to be able to come back here, and to serve in the community where I grew up.”
Ostrowsky noted the importance of community involved events and the opportunity to share the 178th’s mission with those it serves.
The attendees toured hands-on displays of tools and technology used to fulfill the wing’s mission, including security forces small arms, intelligence infrared cameras, and fire and chemical agent equipment.
The day concluded with a guided bus tour around the instillation, with lunch following.
“This is an opportunity for us to learn and to get to know the community a little bit better,” said Col. Kent Kazmaier, 178th Wing Commander, “and also for you to know us a little bit better and about what we do here at Springfield.”
The 178th Wing conducts intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and flies the MQ-9 Reaper, a remotely-piloted aircraft, in support of federal and state missions while maintaining an active involvement with the local community.