621st CRW integrates C-208B training with LZSOs

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Devin Rumbaugh
  • 621st Contingency Response Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  

The 621st Air Mobility Advisory Group conducted a multi-faceted training event for Cessna C-208B Grand Caravan pilots and landing zone safety officers assigned to the 621st Contingency Response Group and the 818th Mobility Support Advisory Squadron.

Airplane taxies prior to take off

A Cessna C-208B Grand Caravan flown by U.S. Air Force Maj. Phillip Savitsky, 818th Mobility Support Advisory Squadron flying operations flight commander, taxis prior to take off from a landing zone at Solberg Airport, New Jersey, May 20, 2025. The landing zone, designed to mimic an airfield established in an austere environment, was controlled by landing zone safety officers assigned to the 818th MSAS. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Devin M. Rumbaugh)

The training event included bringing a contracted and privately owned C-208B to JBMDL, giving pilots assigned to the 621st AMAG and 818th MSAS an opportunity to operate the C-208B and conduct operations at landing zones, while also giving LZSOs assigned to the 621st CRG and 818th MSAS, an opportunity to train and maintain their currencies.

“A lot of great things happened out here this week,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Juan Nino, 621st CRG deputy chief of group operations. “We integrated with both the 621st AMAG and the New Jersey Forest Service to practice landing zone ops with helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.”

The training with the New Jersey Forest Service was precoordinated to include fixed wing aircraft, but the helicopters were a last minute addition to the training. This showcased the ability for CR Airmen to adapt and utilize their skillset outside of military applications, while safely conducting operations.

Airmen place high-visibility marker panel down for landing zone

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Joseph Severin, Tech. Sgt. Dylan Maddock, and Tech. Sgt. Zachary McDaniel, all 818th Mobility Support Advisory Squadron landing zone safety officers, place a high-visibility marker panel on a landing zone at Solberg Airport, New Jersey, May 20, 2025. Landing zone safety officer-qualified airmen are pulled from career fields outside of the air traffic control and are trained to safely inspect and operate makeshift runways in austere environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Devin M. Rumbaugh)

“The squadron that is currently on alert for contingency response was also able to participate in the training,” said Nino. “This ensured that we are able to stay qualified and current through the duration of our alert cycle.”

As this event marked the first time the C-208B was flown to JBMDL, Airmen assigned to the 621st AMAG and CRG were required to find, identify and coordinate the use of useable airfields and landing zones within New Jersey that fulfilled the training requirements for LZSOs.

“We don’t get to work with the 621st AMAG very often, so it’s great to build up this community of ready warriors,” said Nino. “As we’re building partnerships, we’re identifying new training locations that can save us thousands of dollars every year.”