Holloman ranges meet training demands

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Emily A. Kenney
  • 49th Wing Public Affairs
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Holloman is home to three air-to-ground training ranges capable of taking hits from bombs weighing anywhere from 50-500 pounds.

The ranges exist so the 49th Operations Support Squadron Range Operations Center can monitor all training missions while aircraft ranging from bombers to fighter jets test weapons systems and practice munition drops.

"A lot of different aircraft use these ranges -- from fixed wings to helicopters," said William Urick, the 49th OSS range manager. "We get bombers in here from other bases too. Local aircraft that use the range are the German Air Force Tornados, as well as the MQ-1 and MQ-9s, and the F-16s."

The ranges are Centennial, Oscura and Red Rio. Centennial, which is located on the south side of base, is a large tactical range. Oscura is a smaller range, used primarily for training purposes. Red Rio is located on the north side of base and is a live range.

These ranges have recently been altered to meet the mission requirements of the F-16 Fighting Falcons.

"Recently we got the two F-16 squadrons here," said Urick. "So, we are modifying the ranges to meet their needs. When they're training, we watch them from the tower and let them know if they're getting too low to the ground. We worked with Army Air to go out there and hover at certain distances, and that allowed us to mark lines so now we can tell from the tower exactly how low they are."

Army Air also helps by donating out-of-date aircraft and machinery for range use.

"Army Air got us a lot of their targets," said Urick. "When their helicopters get old and they want to get rid of them, instead of going to salvage, we take them. We prep them and put them on the range as targets."

These ranges are also used by Tactical Air Control Party Airmen from Fort Bliss, Texas for Close Air Support operations.

"They get out there and work with the pilots, and get a lot of training in," said Urick. "They work with all types of aircraft, from MQ-9s, to German Tornados, to the A-10s that come here on (Temporary Duty Assignment)."

Overall, the ranges could not operate without the Airmen, civilians and contractors dedicated to keeping them clean and mission-ready.

"Everybody comes together and works as a team," said Urick. "We have the Explosives Ordnance Disposal come out, we have medics go out and help us clean the range. It's really a team effort between the contractors, civilians and active duty."