On 9/11 anniversary, officials dedicate Gabreski training facility

Nine years and a day after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, military personnel from the 106th Rescue Wing gathered under an overcast sky Sunday as top brass and political leaders dedicated the new “Guardian Angel” training facility at Gabreski Air Base in Westhampton Beach.

The 38,000-square-foot building will serve as a state of the art training center for the Wing’s Para Rescue Squadron, whose mission is to save downed Airmen and civilians lost at sea.

On hand for the ribbon cutting ceremony were U.S. Rep. Tim Bishop, Wing Cmdr. Col. Tom Owens, New York Air National Guard Brig. Gen. Anthony German, state Assemb. Fred Thiele, Suffolk County Legis. Jay Schneiderman and Southampton Town Councilman Chris Nuzzi and Southampton Town Supervisor Anna Throne-Holst.

“This new training center rises to the level of world class excellence of the Para Rescue Airmen who will be training here,” Bishop said.

The 77 Para Rescue Jumpers, known as “PJs,” based at the 106th, go through 17 months of training before earning the title of “Guardian Angel.” To date, the Wing has saved more than 600 lives.

In 2005 the Pentagon considered closing the base during its periodic Base Realignment and Closure, or BRAC, process. With another Pentagon review likely, Bishop and local leaders pledged continued support to ensure the 106th remain open.

Town Supervisor Throne-Holst said the 106th was an integral part of the community providing an invaluable service. “I will do whatever I can to keep them here,” said Throne-Holst, who recently joined the Friends of the 106th, a community-based group that supports the Wing’s mission.

Immediately following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, more than 500 Wing personnel received “Hometown Hero Awards” for their service in Iraq and Afghanistan post 9/11.