244th History 1977

Year 1977 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1978 1979 1980 1981

1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

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AFCS

244 Combat Communications Squadron

Major Gene A. Katke

Major Gene A. Katke assumed Command of the 244th Combat Communications Squadron on 1 July 1977.

For the third consecutive year, the 244th Combat Communications Squadron went to Alaska to participate in Jack Frost 77. Personnel and equipment again were deployed to the north and once again, the 244th performed so well that many endorsements, one after another, were received for a job well done. The 244th Combat Communications Squadron received a Certificate of Excellence from the United States Readiness Command, MacDill AFB, Florida, in recognition of professional performance and dedication to the success of Jack Frost 77.

In an endorsement to a letter from Major General C.M. Hall, Alaskan Air Command, State of Oregon Adjutant General, Major General Miller stated in part, "I would like to commend all members of the 116th Tactical Control Squadron and the 244th Combat Communications Squadron for the professionalism and dedication they displayed during Jack Frost 77. It is by efforts such as this that do much to enhance the image of the Oregon National Guard. Again, please extend my thanks to all concerned for a job well done."

In his endorsement, Major General Doolittle, Commander, Oregon Air National Guard, stated in part, "Once again, members of the Oregon Air National Guard demonstrated their exceptional professional skills while working with the Active Air Force. These men and women are a tribute to the high standards of your command. Please extend my congratulations to all concerned for their outstanding contribution to an important mission."

In June 1977, Annual Field Training was conducted at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington as part of the 252nd Combat Communications Group exercise. The 244th had sites at Four Lakes, Griffin Peak and Walla Walla City-County Airport. The Annual Field Training was conducted under the Operational Readiness Inspection/Communications Evaluation Guidelines.

Volunteers fro the 244th helped with ANF/HAP camp at Camp Rilea, and it was termed as the "finest ever."

A call for help from the U.S. Forest Service was received by the 244th on 2 August 1977. Acting on an agreement which had been concluded in August 1976, the 244th sent five radio relay teams to establish communications from the base camp, southwest of Estacada, with relays at Larch Mountain, Whale Head Mountain, Oak Grove, RAAB Camp and Gresham, Oregon.

The 244th Combat Communications Squadron received the OREGON AIR NATIONAL GUARD AWARD for support given to the U.S. Forest Service during the "Happy Fire" in the Mt. Hood National Forest.

Mt. Hood National Forest Supervisor F. Dale Robertson expressed his thanks to the Military Department, and especially the 244th Combat Communications Squadron, for "the very fine communications service that the 244th furnished to the Mt. Hood National Forest, in early August, on the Happy Fire. The response was very good, and the communications that were provided were by far the best we have had on a project fire on the Mt. Hood. We will most certainly want to use these facilities and services again, when we have a serious project fire in the forest. All the personnel of the 244th were very cooperative and performed in a very professional manner."

The Adjutant General, Major General Richard A. Miller, Military Department, State of Oregon, endorsed Mr. Robertson's letter by stating, "It is a distinct pleasure to forward letters of this nature. The assistance that the 244th Combat Communications Squadron rendered to the National Forest Service enhances the prestige of the Oregon National Guard and those who serve in it. I add my personal congratulations for a job well done."

Brigadier General Patrick E. O'Grady, Commander, Oregon Air National Guard, put his endorsement on Mr. Robertson's letter and stated, "I am very pleased to add my comments to those expressed by Mr. Robertson and General Miller. This support program will serve to enhance all citizens of Oregon in maintaining and protecting a most vital resource and industry. Additionally, the professional capabilities demonstrated by the men and women of your unit have brought credit and recognition to the Oregon Air National Guard an to themselves. Please extend my sincere appreciation for this most noteworthy accomplishment."

Airman First Class Debra M. Engle received recognition as Outstanding Unit Airman of 1977. Technical Sergeant George M. Hopper was named as Outstanding Unit Senior Airman of 1977. Master Sergeant Robert H. Kehler received recognition as Outstanding Unit Senior NCO of 1977.

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1977 Photos

Click on Image to Enlarge

1977 AFT Photo 1	1977 AFT Photo 2	1977 AFT Photo 3	1977 AFT Photo 4
1977 Doolittle Retirement Photo 01	1977 Doolittle Retirement Photo 02	1977 Doolittle Retirement Photo 03	1977 Doolittle Retirement Photo 04
1977 Doolittle Retirement Photo 05	1977 Doolittle Retirement Photo 06	1977 Doolittle Retirement Photo 07	1977 Doolittle Retirement Photo 08
1977 Doolittle Retirement Photo 09	1977 Doolittle Retirement Photo 10	1977 Doolittle Retirement Photo 11	1977 Happy Fire Gresham Terminal Photo 1
1977 Happy Fire Gresham Terminal Photo 2	1977 Happy Fire Gresham Terminal Photo 3	1977 Happy Fire Gresham Terminal Phot o4	1977 Happy Fire Larch Mt Relay Photo 1
1977 Happy Fire Larch Mt Relay Photo 2	1977 Happy Fire Oak Grove Relay Photo 1	1977 Happy Fire Oak Grove Relay Photo 2	1977 Happy Fire Raab Terminal Photo 01
1977 Happy Fire Raab Terminal Photo 02	1977 Happy Fire Raab Terminal Photo 03	1977 Happy Fire Raab Terminal Photo 04	1977 Happy Fire Raab Terminal Photo 05
1977 Happy Fire Raab Terminal Photo 06	1977 Happy Fire Raab Terminal Photo 07	1977 Happy Fire Raab Terminal Photo 08	1977 Happy Fire Raab Terminal Photo 09
1977 Happy Fire Raab Terminal Photo 10	1977 Happy Fire Raab Terminal Photo 11	1977 Happy Fire Raab Terminal Photo 12	1977 Happy Fire Raab Terminal Photo 13
1977 Happy Fire Raab Terminal Photo 14	1977 Happy Fire Raab Terminal Photo 15	1977 Happy Fire Raab Terminal Photo 16	1977 Happy Fire Raab Terminal Photo 17
1977 Happy Fire Raab Terminal Photo 18	1977 Happy Fire Raab Terminal Photo 19	1977 Happy Fire Raab Terminal Photo 20	1977 Happy Fire Raab Terminal Photo 21
1977 Happy Fire Raab Terminal Photo 22	1977 Happy Fire Raab Terminal Photo 23	1977 Happy Fire Raab Terminal Photo 24	1977 Happy Fire Raab Terminal Photo 25
1977 Happy Fire Raab Terminal Photo 26	1977 Happy Fire Whale Head Relay Photo 1	1977 Happy Fire Whale Head Relay Photo 2	1977 Happy Fire Whale Head Relay Photo 3
1977 Jack Frost Photo 01	1977 Jack Frost Photo 02	1977 Jack Frost Photo 03	1977 Jack Frost Photo 04
1977 Jack Frost Photo 05	1977 Jack Frost Photo 06	1977 Jack Frost Photo 07	1977 Jack Frost Photo 08
1977 Jack Frost Photo 09	1977 Jack Frost Photo 10	1977 Jack Frost Photo 11	1977 Jack Frost Photo 12
1977 Photo 01	1977 Photo 02	1977 Photo 03	1977 Photo 04
1977 Photo 05	1977 Photo 06	1977 Photo 07	1977 Photo 08
1977 Photo 09	1977 Photo 10	1977 Photo 11	1977 Photo 12
1977 Photo 13	1977 Photo 14	1977 Photo 15	1977 Photo 16
1977 Photo 17	1977 Photo 18	1977 Photo 19	1977 Photo 20
1977 Photo 21	1977 Photo 22