186th ARW - Meridian ANG

[MarineGrunt]

I was wondering if the 186th have received a follow on assignment since they're losing the 135s to the BRAC. Anyone have any info? Just curious, since I have a UPT buddy there I haven't talked to in a while...

 

[bssthound]

I was in that unit for 10 years, as an RF-4 WSO (best time of my life) and a 135 nav. About a month ago I talked to some MEI buds; they told me they've not heard anything definite yet. Am hoping for the best, there are some really super folks there.

 

[pilot01]

no follow on mission yet. ( no flying mission yet)

 

[MarineGrunt]

Heard they're getting the C27J! Congrats guys! Anyone know when they start getting them?

 

[frog_flyer]

Source?

 

[MarineGrunt]

Straight from the unit website. It was announced a while ago.

http://www.msmeri.ang.af.mil/

And the local paper:
http://www.meridianstar.com/homepage/local_story_033005107.html?keyword=leadpicturestory

 

[frog_flyer]

Great news that they're gonna stay open! The BRAC report said there was very little money saved from shutting down the unit and sending them elsewhere.

Has an order been placed for the 27J yet? How is it going to work to have a wing of -135 qual'd pilots that are losing their planes fall 10/spring 11? Are they going to sit around and wait for the 27 or head up to Maine and drag fighters across the pond with their planes?

Great news.​

 

[erj-145mech]

Initial order of 78 aircraft has been awarded, Raytheon, who did not receive the award has protested the bid award, so this is slowing things down a bit. See www.c-27J.com for details. The company that I work for has the contract for the JCA's (project name Joint Cargo Aircraft).

 

[psysicx]

Is Meridian that bad? The Navy guys don't seem to like it.

 

[erj-145mech]

The Guard unit is not at NAS Meridian, they are at Key Field (civillian).