12 JUL 1995 154^th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, HIANG was federally recognized.

Unit Insignia

Significance

Ultramarine blue and Air Force yellow are the Air Force colors. Blue alludes to the sky, the primary theater of Air Force operations. Yellow refers to the sun and the excellence required of Air Force personnel. The three stars with conjoined contrails denote the three types of aircraft supported by the unit. The globe signifies the unit’s ability to go anywhere at any time. The head of the “ALI’I” reflects the locale of the Squadron and symbolizes the unification, pride and wisdom of the three combined units. The motto, “HA’ AHEO MAU,” translates to “WE ARE ALWAYS PROUD.”

154^th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Chronological History

Balikatan exercise accomplishes tactical, humanitarian missions

By Chief Master Sgt. Samuel K.P. Wong Loadmaster Superintendent, 204th Airlift Squadron

In February, a Hawaii Air National Guard C-130H cargo aircraft loaded with 154th Wing personnel, aircraft maintenance equipment and parts, medical supplies and a pallet full of elementary school books, left Hickam Air Force Base to participate in the Joint Combined Services/Combined Philippine and U.S. Exercise, Balikatan ’04, in the Republic of the Philippmes.

Maj. Robert Chowhoy led the team from the 204^th Airlift, 154^th Maintenance and 154^th Aircraft Maintenance Squadrons. Their mission was to coordinate and expand access to training areas and facilities in advancement of theatre engagement plans and to continue development of our State Partnership Program with Hawaii, Guam and the Philippines.

After stops in Wake Island and Guam, the C-130 landed at Clark Air Base. After a few days of a climatizing, the Hawaii airmen flew to Palawan island and accomplish their State Partnering mission by transporting 18,000 pounds of medical supplies and 2000 pounds of books. The medical supplies were used by U.S. medical personnel providing medical services to the people of the Philippines. The books replenished and stocked the libraries of the various schools undergoing renovation by U.S. military construction personnel.

Our focus then shifted toward completing our tactical airdrop training. This training gave our newer pilots and crew members the opportunity to conduct needed land navigation, fly over unfamiliar territory and to coordinate and plan with other participating military services.

– 2004 April – September Pūpūkahi pp. 3

Keiki Fishing Derby nets plenty of fish tales for AMXS families

by 1st Lt. Regina Berry

The 154^th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron hosted its first Keiki Fishing Derby Sept. 5, at the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden.

More than 70 children and 100 adults signed up to attend the first fishing derby, which had plenty of fish to catch, plenty of food and Children hoping to make the big catch. plenty of door prizes. “Just about everyone got a door prize,” said Technical Sgt. Rex Godinez, 154th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron F -15 Crew Chief.

We are calling it a derby because there is no first, second or third place, said Tech. Sgt. Godinez. Each kid receives a goodie bag, so they’re all winners.

This year the Fishing Derby was limited to the 154 AMXS family and friends. “The first year we wanted to keep it small and see how things run,” said Tech. Sgt. Godinez, who has had this fishing derby idea for ten years.

Godinez, hopes to open future derbys to the entire Hawaii Air National, so more Guardsmen can participate with their families.

– 2005 November Kūkāʻilimoku pp. 6

Total force at work in RIMPAC

By Tech. Sgt. Chris Vadnais, Air Force Print News

HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE, Hawaii (AFPN) – Seven F-15 Eagle fighter jets assigned to the Hawaii Air National Guard fired AIM-7 Sparrow missiles at drones dropped from a Navy F-18 July 16. Pilots fired the missiles in the Pacific Missile Range Facility off the coast of Kauai, Hawaii, as part of the 2006 Rim of the Pacific Exercise, known as RIMPAC.

RIMPAC brought friendly forces from the Pacific theater and the United Kingdom together to engage in air and sea war games.

The opportunity to fire live ordnance in Hawaii does not come often. Crews usually travel to Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., for firing practice. Even then the missiles they use are loaded with telemetry equipment rather than live ordnance.

“We had the option to either destroy or shoot 14 missiles,” said Maj. John Traettino, an F-15 pilot with the Hawaii Air National Guard’s 199th Fighter Squadron. “It’s actually less expensive to shoot the missiles as opposed to destroying them. It’s excellent training for us as pilots and controllers. It’s just a fantastic opportunity for the Hawaii Air National Guard.”

These days a training exercise that saves money is like gold. The Air Force’s Smart Operations 21 strategy challenges Airmen at all levels to look for value-added opportunities just like this.

But saving money while getting valuable wartime training is just part of the benefit of these sorties. This mission also demonstrated the total force concept the Air Force is perfecting -Air National Guard operations seamlessly integrating into activeduty missions. The Pacific Command’s RIMPAC exercise provided the framework to showcase that cooperation.

– 2006 July – September Pūpūkahi pp. 3

Exercise COPE TIGER builds international relations

By Staff Sgt. Betty J. Squatrito-Martin HQ 154 WG/PA

KORAT AIR BASE, Republic of Thailand – The skies over Korat Air Base are now silent, and all aircraft are in the chalks as Feb. 9 marked the end of Exercise COPE TIGER 2007.

COPE TIGER is a multilateral exercise between the Republics of Thailand and Singapore Air Forces and the United States military. Troops from the U.S. Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps trained alongside the Royal Thai and Singapore Air Forces in February at Karat and Udon Thani Air Bases, Thailand.

The exercise included large force employment, air defense, and trilateral civic assistance programs.

“The exercise offered us a chance to continue to build on military to military relationships with Thailand and Singapore,” said Lt. Col. Irvin Higa, White Horse exercise intel control officer.

“Cope Tiger 2007 was a resounding success. Despite the many challenges we faced during the planning process, the U.S., Thailand, and Singapore forces demonstrated outstanding professionalism and dedication, safely executing over 1250 sorties,” said Col. Vincent M. Farrell, U.S. exercise director. “The exercise provided realistic combat training, which improves our combined joint interoperability and promotes the already strong relations between our three countries,” added Farrell.

The Hawaii Guard Airmen also made time to share a bit of Aloha with the local school by donating books and school supplies to the base pre-school.

– 2007 January – March Pūpūkahi pp. 3

Hawaii Air Refuelers Arrive Home

by Senior Airman ORLANDO CORPUZ, 154^th Wing Public Affairs

11/10/2017 – JOINT BASE PEARL HARBORHICKAM, Hawaii – Airmen from the Hawaii Air National Guard and three KC-135 Stratotankers recently returned home following a six-month deployment to the Middle East in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

Airmen and aircraft from the 203^rd Air Refueling Squadron, along with maintenance and support personnel from the 154^th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and 154^th Maintenance Squadron returned over the course of a week with the first group of airmen and aircraft arriving on October 30, and a second group celebrating the homecoming on November 5.

Deployment durations for individual Airmen ranged from more than two months to six months. In all, more than 90 HIANG airmen deployed during the six month period.

While deployed the airmen refueled U.S. and other coalition aircraft striking ISIS targets in Iraq and Syria.

“It’s what we train for every day,” said a returning 203 ARS boom operator. For security purposes the HIANG is not releasing the names of any of airmen that deployed. “We forward deploy around the world and give gas when needed.”

The aircrews flew more than 300 missions, offloading more than 7 million pounds of fuel to just over 600 aircraft, and in the process logged in over 2100 hours flight time.

Aerial refueling is essential to U.S. air operations around the world. The refueling allows fighter jets and other aircraft to remain over the battlefield longer, which allows greater support to U.S. and coalition forces fighting on the ground.

“Air refueling is one of the most vital portions of the effort over in the Middle East that we are performing,” said a returning 203 ARS pilot. “Without air refueling, basically nothing can get done.”

Just as with all deployments, team work played a vital role in mission success.

“We had great comraderies… there’s lots of great people over there in the Middle East right now serving our country,” a 203 ARS pilot said.

– 2017 November Kūkāʻilimoku pp. 5

Hawaii Air Refuelers Arrive Home

154th Wing Public Affairs
Story by Senior Airman Orlando Corpuz – Friday, November 10, 2017

Airmen from the Hawaii Air National Guard and three KC-135 Stratotankers recently returned home following a six-month deployment to the Middle East in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

Airmen and aircraft from the 203^rd Air Refueling Squadron, along with Maintenance and support personnel from the 154^th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and 154^th Maintenance Squadron returned over the course of a week with the first group of airmen and aircraft arriving on October 30 and a second group celebrating the homecoming on November 5.

Deployment durations for individual Airmen ranged from more than two months to six months. In all, more than 90 HIANG airmen deployed during the six month period.

While deployed the airmen refueled U.S. and other coalition aircraft striking ISIS targets in Iraq and Syria.

“It’s what we train for every day,” said a returning 203 ARS boom operator. For security purposes the HIANG is not releasing the names of any of airmen that deployed. “We forward deploy around the world and give gas when needed.”

The aircrews flew more than 300 missions, off loading more than seven million pounds of fuel to just over 600 aircraft, and in the process logged in over 2100 flight hours.

Aerial refueling is essential to U.S. air operations around the world. The refueling allows fighter jets and other aircraft to remain over the battlefield longer, which allows greater support to U.S. and coalition forces fighting on the ground.

“Air refueling is one of the most vital portions of the effort over in the Middle East that we are performing,” said a returning 203 ARS pilot. “Without air refueling, basically nothing can get done.”

Just as with all deployments, team work played a vital role in mission success.

“We had great camaraderies there‘s lots of great people over there in the Middle East right now serving our country.” a 203 ARS pilot said.

– 2018 Spring Pupukahi pp. 17

Hawaii Guardsmen Deliver Airlift for Southern Strike 19

154^th Wing Public Affairs | Story by Senior Airman John Linzmeier | Friday, January 25, 2019

Members of the Hawaii Air National Guard held airlift operations Jan. 13 through 25 during a large-scale joint and multinational exercise in Gulfport, Miss.

The exercise, Southern Strike 19, is hosted by the Mississippi Air National Guard at Gulfport’s Combat Readiness Training Center – Battlefield Airmen Center. It provides participants the opportunity to build partnerships and maintain combat readiness for future missions.

“It’s nice to bring other units in, such as the Hawaii Air National Guard, and have their perspective on what we’re doing here,” said Col. Joseph E. Reid, CRTC base commander, “it’s a value added to them and a value added to us. We can also expose them to different units which come from different parts of the country.”

Approximately 2,000 service members from both the active and reserve components in every branch of U.S. military service participated in the combat exercise. The Hawaii participants are from the 204th Airlift Squadron, 154th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and a team of active-duty Airmen from the 15th Wing.

Capt. Evan Kurosu, 204^th AS pilot and mission planner, said the exercise exposes his unit to challenges which are not easy to come by while stationed in Oahu. Southern Strike tested the Airmen’s readiness through a variety of obstacles, such as shorter runways, larger variations of cargo, low-level flying and staged threats to work around.

Over the two weeks of training, the Hawaii guardsmen airlifted members from several units on a C-17 Globemaster III to complete a series of wartime tasks, to include U.S. Army special forces and a team of distinguished visitors from the Chilean Army. Other activities entailed multiple cross-country flights to transport personnel and equipment from Fargo, N.D., air-refueling operations in the dark, high-altitude low-opening jumps, airdrop coordination and more.

After a year of planning and coordination, Kurosu said it was rewarding to watch his crew members complete the back-to-back training objectives. Southern Strike also served to help improve the HIANG’s ability to respond to natural disasters.

“Ultimately, one of the things that makes me proud to be a Hawaii Air National Guardsmen is that we do have specific mission sets. For example, humanitarian relief. So, when we execute our assault landings and other wartime scenarios, these proficiencies are still relevant when we get to do things like hurricane evacs or relief missions, like when we responded to Hurricane Maria [in 2017].”

The 204^th AS’s emergency response capabilities can be called upon at any time, and their mission set is growing. The squadron is now extending its search and rescue skills with NASA and postured to rescue astronauts from downed spacecraft virtually anywhere in the Pacific.

Regardless of the call-to-duty, aircrew and maintenance personnel will always rely on their ongoing training to fight battles and save lives – especially when it comes to working with their joint and international partners.

“Today’s military is all about working together in a joint environment, and that’s what we’re all about – whether it’s here or back at home,” said Brig. Gen. Barry Blanchard, Mississippi Air National Guard chief of staff. “The more exposure you get to it, the better off we’re all prepared for the next event.”

– 2019 Spring Pupukahi pp. 4

Raptors team up with spec ops for farp training

by Senior Airman John Linzmeier

Hawaiian Raptors and maintenance Airmen practiced a new refueling capability at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam flight line August 4, in collaboration with Special Operations Airmen from Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico.

The process is called a Forward Area Refueling Point, which entails the rapid transfer of fuel from one aircraft to another. On this occasion, an MC-130J Commando II and a formation of F-22 Raptors completed the procedure with all engines running. This unique capability makes it possible for fighter aircraft to land, replenish fuel and return to air-battle operations within a short timeframe.

Leading up to the FARP training, a similar operation was practiced on the windwardside of the island August 2, at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay. Unlike the initial event, the second round had maximized the MC-130J’s refueling capabilities, enabling two fighter jets to receive fuel at the same time.

“It was helpful for us to have completed two operations in quick succession,” said Tech Sgt. Evan Frisco, 15th Maintenance Group Quality Assurance inspector. “At Kaneohe Bay, we were trying to figure out the best way to maneuver the aircraft around and get it in the best position. Once we got all the other groundwork laid, the team was confident enough to take on the two-jet operation.”

The FARP program is designed to train petroleum, oils and lubricants Airmen for covert refueling operations in deployed locations where fueling stations are not accessible or when air-to-air refueling is not possible.

Members of the 154^th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron provided hands-on-training with the visiting FARP crew, as this was the first time the FARP operators have worked with the fifth-generation Raptors at JBPH-H. The guidance helped ensure every member is aware of the appropriate safety precautions and airframe layout.

“Familiarization training like this pays off a lot,” said Tech Sgt. Colby Mira,-Naeole, AMXS F-22 dedicated crew chief. “Because when they go to deployed locations, it’s possible for them to receive aircraft they’ve never seen before. This experience helps them to know where the receptacles are. When they do it deployed, it’s usually at night. It’s an elaborate process, so they’re going to need to be able to do it with night vision goggles on.”

While FARP Airmen, belonging to the MC-130J, are usually the only personnel on the ground during real-world scenarios, crew chiefs here worked alongside their Active Duty counterparts to incorporate a cursory inspection and end-of-runway inspection.

Airmen of the Hawaii Air National Guard have been preparing to hold a FARP operation here for more than a year, which entailed a series of ‘hot pit’ refueling operations – having Airmen refuel a running aircraft from a ground vehicle or hydrant.

Without FARP capabilities, U.S. Air Force aircraft are limited to air-to-air refueling and permanently installed bases for their refueling needs. However, when a fighter squadron has FARP support, options are vastly increased, as any accessible airfield or island can be used to replenish fighters and send them back to the fight.

– 2019 October Kūkāʻilimoku pp. 6

Total Force Airmen join partners in Mariana Islands for Operation Pacific Iron

Story by Staff Sgt. John Linzmeier

Total Force Airmen from JBPH-H joined partners throughout the Indo-Pacific Region for a Pacific Air Forces Operation held in the Mariana Islands.

The operation, Pacific Iron, was hosted at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, and was carried out across the surrounding islands to incorporate Agile Combat Employment (ACE) and Dynamic Force Employment (DFE) concepts. The conglomerate of forces rendezvoused in remote locations, demonstrating how forward-deployed troops are ready to protect and defend the United States.

The operation provided an opportunity to support ACE capabilities to generate resilient air power in a contested environment and was designed to organize, train, and equip Airmen to be more agile in operation execution, strategic in deterrence, and more resilient in capabilities.

Participants from Hawaii executed a series of combat readiness training and emergency field medical operations with joint services, ensuring readiness when operating alongside allies and security partners. Armed patrols demonstrated their ability to perform tactical ground movements, field medical techniques, radio communication, and medical evacuation procedures.

F-22 Raptors from Hickam AFB and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, were among the many aircraft units which converged and operated as one cohesive force during Pacific Iron.

The ‘Hawaiian Raptors’ are operated by total force aviators from Hawaii ANG’s 199^th Fighter Squadron and their active-duty counterparts from the 19th FS.

“Pacific Iron allowed us to see distributed operations in action and develop our tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) in a combat integrated environment,” said Lt. Col. Kevin Horton, 199^th FS commander. “The concept has been established, but now it’s all about practicing it and perfecting it so we can operate in a distributed setting.”

According to the 2018 National Defense Strategy, Dynamic Force Employment (DFE) allows for
more flexibility in using ready forces to proactively shape the strategic environment while maintaining readiness to respond to contingencies and ensure long-term war-fighting readiness.

Additional maintenance teams, communication specialists, ground support equipment and personnel from multiple wings mobilized throughout the region to enable aircraft operations and establish robust systems to carry out command and control within a combat environment.

Maintenance crews from the 154^th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron tested the STARCART system, designed to refuel Raptors out of Guam’s Northwest Airfield immediately after landing. The experimental system was used and further developed to support Architecture Demonstration and Evaluation 5.2 during the operation.

Pacific Iron enhanced readiness amongst warfighters throughout the Indo-Pacific. Mission planners also incorporated a flyover into the training curriculum. F-22 Raptors and F-15 Eagles soared over Guam on July 21 in honor of the island’s history during the 77^th Guam Liberation Day.

– 2021 October Kūkāʻilimoku pp. 30-31

Hawaii Raptors and Spec Ops fuel the flames of Mission Readiness

Story by Senior Airman Robert Cabuco

The Hawaiian Raptors and members of the 353rd Special Operations Wing forward area refueling point (FARP) team took part in readiness training during an Agile Combat Employment exercise at the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Barking Sands, on September 8.

Previous F-22 FARP exercises laid the groundwork for this year’s continued training for the Air Force FARP operators from across the nation with the fifth generation Raptors at JBPH-H. The return of FARP specialists, this time from Kadena Air Base, demonstrates the critical mission the HIANG plays in mission readiness for the U.S. Air Force and its objectives in the Pacific.

The 353rd SOW is the focal point for all U.S. Air Force special operations activities throughout the U.S. Pacific Command theater. The group is composed of more than 750 Airmen and based out of Kadena Air Base, Japan. It is the only Air Force Special Operations unit in the Pacific.

Members of the 154^th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron provided hands-on training with the visiting FARP crew. The guidance helped ensure every member is aware of the appropriate safety precautions specific to this airframe and its layout.

While FARP Airmen, belonging to the MC130J, are usually the only personnel on the ground during real-world scenarios, crew chiefs here worked alongside their Active-Duty counterparts to incorporate a cursory inspection and end-of-runway inspection.

The operation was held to train petroleum, oils, and lubricants Airmen for covert refueling operations in deployed locations where fueling stations are not accessible or when air-to-air refueling is not possible. Hawaii Air National Guard F-22 Raptors received fuel from the MC130J while all engines were running.

Without FARP capabilities, U.S. Air Force aircraft are limited to air-to-air refueling and permanently installed bases for their refueling needs. However, when a fighter squadron has FARP support, options are vastly increased, as any accessible airfield or island can be used to replenish fighters and send them back to the fight.

– 2021 October Kūkāʻilimoku pp. 36-37

154th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron: Provide aircraft launch, recovery, loading, and sustaining capabilities for more than 40 airlift, tanker and fighter aircraft in support of INDOPACOM and national security objectives. The unit also provides 24/7 Operation Noble Eagle support in defense of the Air Force’s largest area of responsibility.

– 2022 September Kūkāʻilimoku

Leadership

• 2019 – 2024 Lt. Col. Cesar Hernandez
• 2018 – 2019 Lt. Col. Michael E. Rawlins
• 2012 – 2015 Capt. Jason Matsuoka
• 2006 – 2012 Maj. Duke M. Ota Jr.
• 2002 – 2006 Lt. Col. William S. Petti