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News from the Oklahoma National Guard

Cable and antenna system technician Airmen with the 219th Engineering Installation Squadron watch as their colleagues scale an antenna tower at Tulsa Air National Guard Base, Okla., June 3, 2023. This training is crucial to the wing mission to ensure Airmen safety and preparedness for future missions. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Airman 1st Class Addison Barnes Released)

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230603-Z-BX562-1034

Cable and antenna system technician Airmen with the 219th Engineering Installation Squadron watch as their colleagues scale an antenna tower at Tulsa Air National Guard Base, Okla., June 3, 2023. This training is crucial to the wing mission to ensure Airmen safety and preparedness for future missions. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Airman 1st Class Addison Barnes Released)

Airman 1st Class Gregory Crowder and Joe Kuhn, 219th Engineering Installation Squadron cable and antenna systems technicianans, right, climb up an antenna tower during tower rescue training at Tulsa Air National Guard Base, Okla., June 3, 2023. The training simulates a scenario where an Airmen would pass out while still attached to the tower, requiring their wingmen on the ground to pull them away from the tower as they are lowered to safety. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Airman 1st Class Addison Barnes)

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Airman 1st Class Gregory Crowder and Joe Kuhn, 219th Engineering Installation Squadron cable and antenna systems technicians, right, climb up an antenna tower during tower rescue training at Tulsa Air National Guard Base, Okla., June 3, 2023. The training simulates a scenario where an Airmen would pass out while still attached to the tower, requiring their wingmen on the ground to pull them away from the tower as they are lowered to safety. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Airman 1st Class Addison Barnes)

Airman 1st Class Joseph Coppinger, 219th Engineering Installation Squadron cable and antenna systems technician, assists in the ascent of Airman 1st Class Gregory Crowder and Joe Kuhn, 219th Engineering Installation Squadron cable and antenna systems technicians, as they scale the antenna tower for tower rescue training at Tulsa Air National Guard Base, Okla., June 3, 2023. While the certification is renewed annually, Airmen at the 219th EIS often do it multiple times a year in order to be mission ready and to instill confidence in their abilities. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Airman 1st Class Addison Barnes)

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230603-Z-BX562-1021

Airman 1st Class Joseph Coppinger, 219th Engineering Installation Squadron cable and antenna systems technician, assists in the ascent of Airman 1st Class Gregory Crowder and Joe Kuhn, 219th Engineering Installation Squadron cable and antenna systems technicians, as they scale the antenna tower for tower rescue training at Tulsa Air National Guard Base, Okla., June 3, 2023. While the certification is renewed annually, Airmen at the 219th EIS often do it multiple times a year in order to be mission ready and to instill confidence in their abilities. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Airman 1st Class Addison Barnes)

A group of Airmen with the 219th Engineering Installation Squadron prepare for training at the base of an antenna tower in preparation for their training at Tulsa Air National Guard Base, Okla., June 3, 2023. Tower rescue is an annual requirement that the Airmen must pass in order to be mission ready, whether that be at home or at a another country. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Airman 1st Class Addison Barnes )

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230603-Z-BX562-1002

A group of Airmen with the 219th Engineering Installation Squadron prepare for training at the base of an antenna tower in preparation for their training at Tulsa Air National Guard Base, Okla., June 3, 2023. Tower rescue is an annual requirement that the Airmen must pass in order to be mission ready, whether that be at home or at a another country. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Airman 1st Class Addison Barnes )

TULSA, Okla. – The 219th Engineering Installation Squadron, 138th Fighter Wing recently conducted tower rescue training, a crucial aspect of their mission preparedness. Tower rescue training plays a vital role in ensuring the readiness and competence of our Airmen, equipping them with the necessary skills to handle challenging situations and ensuring mission success.

Video by Leanna Maschino

Exercise Thunderstruck 2.0 Tests Oklahoma Guard's UAS Capabilities

Oklahoma National Guard

Sept. 13, 2025 | 2:13

Package: Members of the Oklahoma National Guard conduct Exercise Thunderstruck 2.0 at Camp Gruber Training Center near Braggs, Oklahoma. The exercise tested concepts for countering an evolving threat environment and drew visitors from across the state and world, including industry leaders, National Guard representatives, active-duty forces, and emergency management officials. Training included a Chinook infill, tactical movement through wooded terrain and clearance of an enemy trench system under simulated multi-domain threats, highlighting the integration of emerging technologies to enhance lethality, improve survivability, and sustain readiness for future conflicts. CG Information: Lt. Col. Brent Hill (00:08-00:14) Director, OKNG UAS/Launched Effects Program Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Mancino (00:28-00:30) The adjutant general for Oklahoma Additional footage by: Sgt. Haden Tolbert Senior Airman Erika Chapa Sgt. Cambrie Cannon Sgt. Joe Pena Sgt. Kenshi Kaneshiro