111th ASOC Celebrates 10 Years Of Excellence
Story by Maj Herb Porter; Photos by SPC Charles Ames
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The 111th Air Support Operations Squadron (ASOC), Washington Air National Guard, Camp Murray, WA, recently celebrated their 10th anniversary with a Unit Reactivation Ceremony and Open House. The event was highlighted with a "fly by" by Air Force fighter aircraft during the reenactment ceremony along a special dinner for current and past members at Ft. Lewis.
Representing ten years of Pride and Performance, current and former unit members, along with their families, participated in an all day Open House and special Reenactment Ceremony. Maj Gen Frank Scoggins, Commander of the Washington ANG, addressed the audience on the great performance of the 111th, becoming one of the premier ASOC’s in the nation.
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The unit originally hailed from Willow Grove, PA. Upon its reassignment to Camp Murray, WA, Colonel Jack S. Arnold took on the challenge, as the squadron’s first commander, of standing up a new squadron that hardly had any type of equipment and very limited facilities. He is credited with establishing those early principles of success along with a clear vision of the unit’s mission, instilling a "esprit de corps" that the unit still enjoys today. The strategy obviously worked seeing what the squadron has become.
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Today, the 111th plays a vital part of the Theater Air Control system and is directly aligned for training with I Corps at Ft. Lewis, WA. Its mission is to plan, coordinate, and direct Close Air Support (CAS) for ground forces in contact with the enemy. Its Area of Responsibility (AOR), has included deployments to Korea, Okinawa, Hawaii, Japan, and Thailand. In addition, in support of other contingency missions and counter drug operations, the men and women of the 111th have served in Bosnia, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and several other countries in South America. The unit is currently under the command of Lieutenant Colonel John S. Tuohy.
The Open House featured numerous static displays, along with exhibits by other ancillary organizations that support reservists, along with great food and refreshments. Festivities culminated with a special dinner for former and current members, and their guests at the American Lake Club.
The event was highlighted with a "fly-by" by Air Force A-10 aircraft as the original activation order was read during the reenactment ceremony.
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