166th Communications Flight join forces with Delaware Department of Homeland Security

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Katherine Miller
  • 166th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Members from the 166th Communications Flight participated in a Site on Wheels deployment exercise with the Delaware Department of Homeland Security’s Division of Communications here, July 24, 2019.

The Site on Wheels deployment is a collaborative effort between the 166th CF and DivComm to give situational awareness of the civilian assets available for strategic and rapid expansion of radio frequency communications in the event of a domestic emergency or disaster.

Currently, members from the 166th Airlift Wing’s Communications Fight, Security Forces Squadron and Civil Engineer Squadron are users on Delaware’s state 800 Megahertz Land Mobile Radio System. The State’s 800 MHz is primarily used by first responders to facilitate mission-critical communications requirements during a crisis.

The 800 MHz is one portion of what is called the Emergency Communications Ecosystem which is made up of: Land Mobile Radio Systems, Emergency 911 Services, Alerts and Warnings and Public Safety Broadband initiatives.

“In the event of a disaster, the 800 MHz public safety spectrum allows for all-in-one, joint communication.” said Chief Master Sgt. Robbie Hunt, 166th Mission Support Group superintendent. “When a disaster occurs, we often work together, so these training opportunities are extremely beneficial for both agencies to get an idea of what to expect during a real-world situation.”

For many Guard members, it is possible to hold traditional Guard positions, while maintaining full-time, civilian positions.

Traditionally speaking, Chief Master Sgt. Robbie Hunt, serves as the 166th Mission Support Group superintendent, while holding a civilian position of Director of Delaware Department of Homeland Security’s Division of Communications.

This unique, dual-status situation allowed for seamless coordination between the two agencies.

“It’s really a unique situation serving in a leadership position with the Guard as well as at the state,” said Hunt. “My positions in both organizations allow me to bring unique perspectives and opportunities to both agencies, which allows us to expand on our individual abilities as well as our organizational partnerships. This means we are able to train and be ready to execute the mission efficiently and effectively in the event of natural disaster or crisis when both agencies inevitably work together in joint operations.”