98th RANW contributes to training exercises on Nellis Published Aug. 31, 2009 By Airman 1st Class Michael Charles Nellis Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Many squadrons and wings support Red Flag; however, one important unit that is often overlooked is the 98th Range Wing. The 98th RANW provides the resources that make Red Flag one of the most realistic air combat exercises in the world. Behind the scenes, the 98th RANW maintains the 2.9-million-acre Nevada Test and Training Range playground where Red Flag and numerous other testing and training missions take place. "Simply put, we are the Department of Defense's custodian for the NTTR and ensure all training, testing and tactics development are world class, said Col. John Montgomery, 98th RANW commander." Four 98th RANW squadrons support Red Flag and training exercises in different capacities. The 98th Operations Support Squadron schedules all Red Flag and U.S. Air Force Weapons School missions and is in charge of monitoring more than 40,000 sorties throughout the year. "We are the 'gate keepers' for the NTTR and we are responsible for controlling the 'venue' from 6 feet under the ground to orbit," said Col. Thomas Browning, 98th Operations Group commander. Red Flag is unique because it involves the U.S. and allied forces who must work together in simulated hostile scenarios. The 98th Range Squadron provides a hostile training environment by operating and maintaining more than 30 threat systems on the range. "We provide warfighters with everything they need to get the job done on the NTTR," said Lt. Col. Scott Sturgill, 98th Range Squadron director of operations. "If the warfighters were a professional baseball team, we would be the guys that maintain the field, supply the bases and ready the locker rooms so all the team has to worry about is showing up and focusing on the game." With the stress of the operational tempo during Red Flag, the potential increases something could go wrong. The 98th Northern Range Support Squadron oversees 1.8 million acres of the NTTR, coordinates support for deployed ground units and provides an emergency divert base complete with security, fire protection and medical personnel for any aircraft participating in a training exercise from Nellis. The work of the 98th NRSS is complimented by the 98th Southern Range Support Squadron, which analyzes the NTTR's structures, facilities, roads and utility systems to determine engineering requirements, upgrades, and repairs. The squadron also oversees daily operations including air traffic control, airfield management, a dining facility and services at Creech AFB. "The 98th Range Wing is proud to support Red Flag, other USAFWC missions and U.S. national interests," Colonel Montgomery said. "We operate, maintain, integrate and preserve the one-of-a-kind NTTR in order to provide the battle-space for the warfighter. The conditions we set for joint, combined or coalition warfighters are unmatched anywhere in the world."
