FBI Phoenix Citizens Academy Alumni Association
Barry M Goldwater Bombing Range
THURSDAY JUNE 13, 2024 IS A 'GO'
Barry M. Goldwater Range (BMGR) is a bombing range in Arizona, used by the Air Force and the Marine Corp.
The Barry M. Goldwater Complex is a vast training range for U.S. and allied pilots. The range consists of 1.9 million acres of relatively undisturbed Sonoran Desert southwest of Luke Air Force Base between Yuma and Tucson south of Interstate 8. Overhead are 57,000 cubic miles of airspace where pilots practice air-to-air maneuvers and engage simulated battlefield targets on the ground. Roughly the size of Connecticut, the immense size of the complex allows for simultaneous training activities on nine air-to-ground and two air-to-air ranges.
Here are the most recent particulars and directions from range command:
I don’t have all the firm and final details for you yet, but this is what I have so far.
**Please note these could slightly change on Wednesday when I send out the final email.
DATE: Thursday, June 13
TIME: 10-11 am
UNIT: 357th Fighter Squadron, A-10s
LOCATION: Barry M. Goldwater Range – East
Range 2 (Manned/Numbered Range)
Meeting can vary but generally it will be about 30 mins prior to the flight – so 9:30 am at Range 2 gate.
Directions can be found attached. After getting to Gila Bend, AZ, head south on State Route 85. For those not familiar it is easy to miss. I pay close attention to mile markers and once I know I’m close I look specifically at the power poles. Range 2 gate is near mile marker 22 on the west side of the highway near the power pole that looks like an arrow (image in attachment). It is different than all the others out there. Coordinates: 32.65773 N,112.86029 W
DETAILS: Fini Flight and Graduating Class Family Tour (these are the best ones because the families come from all over to see their pilots graduate so the pilots LOVE to put on a good show)
357 FS - The 357th Fighter Squadron trains pilots in the A-10C Thunderbolt II. The 357th 'Dragons' conduct all formal course directed aircraft transition, day/night weapons and tactics employment, day/night air refueling and dissimilar air combat maneuvers. The squadron trains pilots to plan, coordinate, execute and control day/night close air support and battlefield surveillance and reconnaissance. The 357th Fighter Squadron also prepares pilots through their combat mission ready upgrade. https://www.dm.af.mil/About-DM/Units/355th-Operations-Group/
***I will send out another email on Wednesday and it will have all the finalized information. ***
Range Directions.pdf
TRANSPORTATION:
Please provide your own transportation to and from the bombing range. Car pooling is strongly recommended
Driving Directions: See Range Directions PDF above
WHAT TO SEE AND EXPECT: CLICK
HOW TO ENROLL: When you receive this invite, please sign up as soon as possible, to ensure that you’re included in this once-per-year wonderful opportunity. Watch for follow-up e-mails in the next 2-3 weeks containing detailed instructions and maps.
ENROLLMENT DEADLINE: Enrollment closes on June 10, 2024. All prior registrations have been cancelled, so please register again
This tour has a limit of 50 attendees, and is offered only to Alumni members, students of current class, and guests on a first come basis.
Thanks to each and every one of you for supporting our chapter’s events.
FBI Phoenix Citizens Academy Alumni Association
3104 E. Camelback Road, #102
Phoenix, AZ 85016
FBIPCAAA is a nonprofit organization separate and apart from the FBI
