The Reno-based 152nd Airlift Wing, better known as the Nevada Air National Guard’s “High Rollers,” quietly sent a contingent of airmen overseas on Tuesday to the U.S. Central Command area of operations in support of Operation Epic Fury. State and Guard officials are keeping the details close, citing security restrictions, and are not saying how many airmen are gone or exactly where they are headed. The call-up taps a wing that usually handles rapid global airlift, expeditionary mission support and aerial firefighting.
State leaders offer support
In a statement to KTNV, Gov. Joe Lombardo said, “Nevada is praying for the brave members of the Nevada National Guard at this time.” Maj. Gen. D. Rodger Waters, the state’s adjutant general, told the outlet the High Rollers are “trained, ready and equipped to answer the nation’s call,” and added that the force remaining in Nevada is keeping the families of deployed airmen firmly in mind.
Operation Epic Fury and the mission
U.S. Central Command says Operation Epic Fury began Feb. 28 and consists of strikes aimed at dismantling elements of Iran’s security apparatus. Local reporting indicates the 152nd was sent to CENTCOM’s area of responsibility in support of that campaign, as reported by FOX5 Las Vegas, although officials, again citing operational security, have not released any further specifics on the mission.
What the High Rollers do
Based at Reno Air National Guard Base, the 152nd flies C-130 transport aircraft and is one of the Air National Guard wings equipped with the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System, which allows C-130s to be converted into aerial tankers during wildfire season, according to the National Guard. The same rapid-mobility and expeditionary logistics roles that send the unit into fire seasons across the West are also why it can be tapped to support overseas operations when the military needs extra airlift capacity.
Local impact and next steps
State officials stressed that supporting service members and their families is a priority and pointed to Nevada’s long record of deployments tied to national missions. Initial reporting on the latest mobilization appeared in the Las Vegas Review-Journal; the Review-Journal reported that elements of both the Nevada Air and Army National Guard were already assigned to CENTCOM before Epic Fury began. The Nevada National Guard says it will release further information about the High Rollers’ deployment only when operational security allows.
