250521-Z-UF872-1003

Master Sgt. Philip Nelson and Master Sgt. Jonathan Wilson of the 168th Communications Flight pose for a photo while installing broadband satellite, and 5 G Cellular Service in Shishmaref, Alaska. The installation, completed over five demanding days, was part of a larger initiative funded by a $29.5 million grant awarded to Alaska Tribal Networks, a nonprofit focused on expanding broadband access to rural villages. The recent Shishmaref deployment marked the beginning of a broader plan that includes coordinating the provision of Broadband satellite and 5G fixed and mobile wireless services in 45 communities across the Arctic. Nelson and Wilson of the 168 CF and ATS Lead Technician Brian Vaughn collaborated closely with the Department of Defense's Innovative Readiness Training program to execute the installation in Shishmaref. They extended the existing Starlink service from a community building into a 4G/5G broadcast signal, blanketing the entire village with reliable connectivity. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey)

May 22, 2025 | Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey

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220906-Z-IV744-1011

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 169th Civil Engineering Squadron, South Carolina Air National Guard, use construction tools to help build a community center for Blackfeet Nation Native Americans at Heart Butte, Montana, Sept. 6, 2022. The temporary deployment is part of the squadron’s yearly Innovative Readiness Training.

PHOTO BY: Staff Sgt. Mackenzie Bacalzo

VIRIN: 220906-Z-IV744-011

FULL SIZE: 5.09 MB

Additional Details

CAMERA

NIKON Z 6_2

LENS

24-70mm f/2.8G

APERTURE

630/100

SHUTTERSPEED

10/5000

ISO

100

IMAGE IS PUBLIC DOMAIN

This photograph is considered public domain and has been cleared for release. If you would like to republish please give the photographer appropriate credit. Further, any commercial or non-commercial use of this photograph or any other DoD image must be made in compliance with guidance found at https://www.dimoc.mil/resources/limitations, which pertains to intellectual property restrictions (e.g., copyright and trademark, including the use of official emblems, insignia, names and slogans), warnings regarding use of images of identifiable personnel, appearance of endorsement, and related matters.

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