Fort Dodge, Iowa -- Major General Ben Corell, the Adjutant General of the Iowa National Guard, visited the Air National Guard’s 133rd Test Squadron based in Fort Dodge, Iowa this week.
This is the first opportunity the adjutant general has had to visit to the Air Guard uint in Fort Dodge since taking over the top post of the Iowa National Guard earlier this year.
“I want the Airmen to know who I am,” said Corell. “I want them to know that I care about who they are and in their mission”
During his visit, Maj. Gen. Corell received a first-hand look at the facilities and the unique mission performed by the 133rd.
According to Lt. Col. Robin Hosch, 133rd Squadron Commander, the mission of the unit is to perform operational and developmental testing and evaluation of new and emerging command, control, communications, computer, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance technologies.
As the group walked through the facilities at Fort Dodge among spinning antennas, tactical equipment and camouflage vehicles, the environment is enough to make a Soldier feel right at home.
When he worked as the state quartermaster, Major General Corell said he was able to visit all of the Army National Guard sites in Iowa. Since becoming the adjutant general, Corell said he wanted to know more about the Iowa Air Guard units.
“I have interest in working jointly. I am interested in how the Army and Air can work more closely together,” said Corell.
The Iowa Air Guard has installations in Des Moines, Sioux City and Fort Dodge. This week’s visit to Fort Dodge culminates the general’s tours of all three facilities.