598th RANS reactivates after seven decades

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Ceaira Tinsley
  • 23d Wing Public Affairs
AVON PARK AIR FORCE RANGE, Fla. --  After more than six months of planning, the transition of Detachment 1 into the 598th Range Squadron took place on Sept. 22, at Avon Park Air Force Range, Fla.

After approximately 70 years, the 598th RANS formerly known as the 598th Bombardier Squadron reactivated and U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kevin Beeker, former Detachment 1 commander, assumed command.

"The reactivation of the 598th [RANS] honors the memory of the WWII Airmen that trained in this location," said Beeker. "We will preserve the special heritage of this unit and the mission of the range by linking them.

"As I look back on the courage and sacrifices of this greatest generation, I am inspired to look forward to where Avon Park and the 598th RANS are journeying into the future," Beeker added.

During WWII, the 598th BS trained at Avon Park and the Airmen flew multiple missions that simulated combat conditions on a daily basis.

"In many ways, our mission is unchanged from WWII [and that is] to give our troops the toughest possible training so that they are ready to face our nation's enemies," said Beeker. "Our mission today is to make the training available here as advanced, realistic and relevant as it can possibly be."

The 598th RANS is responsible for operating the range and a deployed unit complex located at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. The squadron will provide extensive, diverse and convenient training airspace and ranges with unique training capabilities for military air and ground training.

"I don't want the first time that our forces face a particular threat or enemy strategy to be in war," said Beeker. "I want them to see that here first, in training. They don't have to travel across the country to get good training, they can get it here."

The squadron falls under Moody's 23d Fighter Group and Col. Tim Sumja, 23d Fighter Group commander, presided over the event.

"The men and women at Avon Park have already been doing an outstanding job and I have no doubt that will continue during (Lt. Col. Beeker's) time here as the commander of the 598th [RANS]," said Sumja. "Beeker's leadership [thus far] has ensured that Avon Park continues to be the premiere bombing range on the east coast of the United States. I know his vision and ideas will be instrumental in preparing Avon Park for the future mission requirements."

After being named the squadron's successor, Beeker stated that he does not take the new position he has been given lightly.

"Not only am I inspired to come to work each day, but I am cognizant of the intense responsibility I have," said Beeker. "When I see that welcome sign with my name on it, I know that I need to work harder to ensure that we are doing all we can to support our warfighter's training. The 598th (RANS) is poised to launch into the future, to train our nation's warriors in the skills necessary to defeat both current enemies and future adversaries."