SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – The 507th Logistics Readiness Squadron along with support elements from the 507th Air Refueling Wing, completed a two-week annual tour at Spangdahlem Air Base to train and provide support to the active duty unit.
The Citizen Airmen supported the 52nd Logistics Readiness Squadron and got unique training events certified while providing support. Even though the Reservists got the opportunity to travel to a foreign country, the Airmen still have training to get accomplished while they’re not at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma.
“The goals and objectives of every single annual tour our squadron goes on is to accomplish any training we don’t have access to at Tinker,” said Maj. Britnee McIntyre, director of operations of the 507th LRS. “Training is first and foremost, getting our Airmen exposure to equipment they normally wouldn’t get exposure to.”
The Reservists, get the opportunity to integrate with active duty personnel which is a very important factor, according to Senior Master Sgt. Steven Gonsalves, superintendent, 507th LRS.
“I think the Reservists bring a unique skillset because we’re so used to coming in with very little time,” Gonsalves said. “We just naturally integrate and go to work, and it doesn’t take a whole lot to get trained on things.”
Getting core tasks completed is the main reason for conducting annual tours, but supervision for the 507th LRS also want the Airmen to get out and enjoy some of the sights Germany and Europe has to offer. With that said, a delicate balance is required between the two.
“Our rule is we work the same schedule the hosting squadron works, “said McIntyre. “That works out best for training and off duty time.”
Between the work and play, McIntyre said the annual-tour has been a success.
“From what I’ve seen, I think the members have integrated very well in their sections and are working hard,” said McIntyre. “It truly has been a total force environment.”