Columbus ANG supports CONR

TYNDALL AFB, Fla. - Forty four Mississippi Air National Guardsmen from Meridian played key roles last week in support of Continental U.S. NORAD Region (CONR)-1st Air Force's (Air Forces Northern) role in the annual Vigilant Shield training exercise in Northwest Florida. The 286th Air Component Operation Squadron, a tenant of the 186th Air Refueling Wing at Key Field, augmented personnel in logistics, intelligence, communications and operations during the 10-day exercise simulating a threat against North America. The 286th ACOS’ mission is to augment CONR in its homeland defense mission. The 286th had a variety of personal staff represented," said its commander, Col. Larry Griffin. "We contribute continuity to the staff that is already in place at AFNORTH," he continued. It was the Columbus squadron’s fifth year supporting Vigilant Shield. (Source: 286th ACOS, 10/26/14).