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Gov. helps open new Air Guard indoor shooting range

  • Published
  • By Capt. Jason Yuhasz
  • 152nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RENO --       Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval was one of several dignitaries who participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the official opening of the Nevada Air Guard's $5 million indoor shooting range here on Tuesday.

The state-of-the-art Modular Containerized Small Arms Training Set range gives Airmen easy access to a shooting facility right on the Nevada Air Guard's primary base. The MCSATS is the first of its kind built on a National Guard air base. Previously, Nevada Airmen had to travel about 30 miles to the Washoe County Parks and Recreation Regional Shooting Facility to practice their marksmanship.

The climate-controlled MCSATS features 12 shooting lanes, bullet traps, and computer-generated shooting scenarios. The range can accommodate standard rounds up to 7.62mm. The MCSATS also exceeds OSHA rules for safety, noise reduction and air quality.
 
Other dignitaries attending the ceremony included Adjutant General Brig. Gen. William Burks, representatives of Nevada's congressional delegation and northern Nevada Native American tribe representatives.

Master Sgt. Yantzy Arnell, a logistics sergeant for the 152nd Airlift Wing's security forces squadron, said the new facility was groundbreaking in terms of convenience and cost savings. With the elimination of many of the costs associated with the Washoe County range (travel, box lunches, extra payroll), it's estimated the Air Guard will save $360,000 annually using the new, on-base facility.

Sandoval and the other dignitaries received a guided tour of the facility. Staff Sgt. Anthony Haley, the non-commissioned officer in charge of the 152nd Airlift Wing's Combat Arms Training and Maintenance team, escorted Sandoval through various weapon training scenarios to demonstrate the range's capabilities.

In addition to Nevada Airmen, it's likely the MCSATS will host other military and government agencies in the near future.