Ohio Guard Airmen Enhance Readiness in Portugal

LAJES FIELD AIR BASE, Portugal - Airmen and firefighters from the Ohio National Guard's 121st Air Refueling Wing, the 65th Air Base Group and the Lajes Field Fire Department trained together in Portugal during a deployment for training, or DFT, Aug. 3-15, giving Airmen experience with operations, strengthening NATO partnerships and enhancing readiness through shared expertise and collaboration.

A DFT is a temporary duty program where Air National Guard Civil Engineer, or CE, Airmen deploy to active-component bases to gain experience by conducting training and assisting with real-world and emergency-response projects. Firefighters from the 121st Air Refueling Wing integrated with the Lajes Field Fire Department, working shifts, responding to calls and performing exercises such as motor-vehicle accident simulations, pump-operator training and familiarization with different airframes.

"Working with the host nation during this DFT has been a great opportunity to learn from them," said Staff Sgt. Jacob Powell, a 121st Air Refueling Wing firefighter. "We were also able to show them some of the ways we operate."

Airmen from electrical power production, pavement and construction equipment, water and fuel systems, structural maintenance and heating, ventilation and air conditioning worked alongside the 65th Air Base Group to support projects and complete specific training.

"These trips provide critical, real-world training opportunities for all CE career fields," said Senior Master Sgt. Henry Zaborniak, the vertical support superintendent for the 121st Air Refueling Wing Civil Engineer Squadron. "Our Guardsmen may not encounter certain issues at home station, so learning to problem-solve in an unfamiliar environment is essential for contingency readiness."

Throughout the DFT, the 121st Air Refueling Wing Airmen gained hands-on experience while working alongside their active-component and NATO partners, exchanging knowledge and building stronger working relationships. The training reinforced shared readiness and strengthened the partnerships needed to support future NATO missions.