LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Arizona --
Tohono O’odham Nation Vice-chairman, Verlon Jose, and
other members of the Nation met with Luke Air Force Base wing leaders Feb. 10,
2016 in support of an annual government-to-government visit the Air Force
conducts with Native American tribes that are impacted by military training
operations.
“Located in southern Arizona, the Sells Military
Operations Area is a national treasure of training airspace associated with the
Barry M. Goldwater Range. It is an essential part of the complex and
overlies much of the 2.8 million acre Tohono O'odham Nation west of Tucson,
Arizona.” said Chas Buchanan, 56th Range Management Office director. "It’s
used by squadrons from Luke, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, and the
Arizona National Guard for pilot training activities that are crucial for
national defense."
The visit included mission briefings and a questions and
answers session to address concerns. Mr.
Buchanan said, “The flying training mission in the Sells MOA is the same as in
many other training areas throughout the U.S. and can impact those on the
ground due to sonic booms from supersonic flight, low altitude overflights, and
general noise from the aircraft. This
can occasionally be disruptive to citizens of the Tohono O'odham Nation who
enjoy a quiet and peaceful way of life, or "Him-Dag," in the sparsely
populated Sonoran Desert. The group also
visited the F-16 Fighting Falcon simulator where they were able to receive a
hands-on experience.
“The F-16 simulator gives the Tohono O’odham leaders a
better feel for what the pilots are experiencing when they are flying in the
airspace above their nation,” said Buchanan.
“It gives them an understanding of how quickly things can occur and how
dynamic the thought process is for pilots while they are in the air.”
The Barry M. Goldwater Range airspace in southern Arizona
extends from near Tucson, Arizona, west along the U.S.-Mexican border to Yuma,
Arizona, and overlies the current and historic lands of the Tohono O’odham people.
The BMGR has been used by the Air Force since 1941.
In an effort to foster the government-to-government
relationship with the Tohono O’odham Nation, Luke AFB has an Installation
Tribal Liaison Officer who works directly with them to address military activities
and any other concerns of the Nation.
“Regular visits to Luke are important in helping the
leaders of the Tohono O’odham Nation understand the importance of pilot
training to national security,” Kevin O’Berry said. “Not only are we able to
demonstrate some of our missions and activities that occur in the airspace
above their nation, these visits also help keep the communication channels open
in an effort to mitigate impacts and address their concerns whenever possible.”
It’s essential to maintain a working relationship with
the Tohono O’odham Nation for mission success.
"The
Tohono O'odham Nation plays a significant role in supporting our pilot training
operations,” said Brig. Gen. Scott Pleus, 56th Fighter Wing commander. “A
significant portion of our airspace is above their traditional lands where they
have lived for thousands of years and it’s important we understand each other’s
needs and concerns."