Honorary commanders, command chief tour 16th OG

  • Published
  • By Amy Oliver
  • 16 SOW Public Affairs
The 16th Special Operations Wing’s honorary commanders and command chief toured the 16th Operations Group April 10.

The tour was part of the honorary commander program’s plan to spotlight one of the 16th SOW’s four groups each quarter.

With the vast missions performed by the 16th OG, it was difficult to narrow down the units they would have time to visit in a one-day time frame. Ultimately they were able to experience a cross-section of the group.

To kick off the day, Col. Tim Minish, 16th OG deputy commander, highlighted the missions of each squadron.

“The 16th OG continues to grow and change,” said Colonel Minish. “Without providing an overwhelming amount of detail, I want to provide an overview of the many special operations missions we support and the resources we use to get the job done.”

Following the mission briefing at the 4th Special Operations Squadron, the group hit the flight line to tour five of 16th OG’s aircraft: an AC-130U Spooky Gunship, MH-53 PAVE LOW helicopter, C-47, AN-26 and UH-1H Huey helicopter.

“I could stay here all day,” said Tim McDonald, 16th Maintenance Group honorary commander and aircraft enthusiast.

After a cookout hosted by the 20th SOS, each of the honorary commanders took a turn in the cockpit of the CV-22 simulator at the 19th SOS.

“I actually landed safely,” said Catherine Dokey, 16th Mission Support Group honorary commander.

Following a night vision goggle demonstration, the group finished the day with a mission briefing on the 16th Operational Support Squadron’s Range Support Flight, a ride in its 32-foot range safety boat and a demonstration of an opposing forces scenario as they sped past Spectre Island.

“What an incredible day,” said Richard “Woofy” Rahilly, 16th SOW honorary command chief and local radio personality. “The technology here is incredible.
The CV-22 simulator was so real. I could see Eglin Parkway and even the radio station.”

“It was a once in a lifetime kind of day,” said Mr. Rahilly.