President Trump visits Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Annie Edwards
  • 151st Air Refueling Wing
SALT LAKE CITY --  President Donald Trump visited Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base on Dec. 4, accompanied by Utah Senators Orin Hatch and Mike Lee during a brief trip to Utah where he signed two Presidential Proclamations.

After arriving on Air Force One, Trump greeted Utah Governor Gary Herbert, as well as Maj. Gen. Jefferson Burton, The Adjutant General of the Utah National Guard, and Col. Ryan Ogan, Commander of the 151st Air Refueling Wing.

Before heading to the State Capital by motorcade, Trump approached a small crowd gathered near the flight line to shake hands and wave to individuals prior to departing the base.

Ogan said that although the base had relatively short notice about the presidential visit, personnel worked with White House and Secret Service officials to ensure security requirements were met and any concerns were addressed.

Ogan said he received positive feedback from White House personnel about the visit and thanked everyone on base for their hard work and dedication in making the event so successful.

Master Sgt. Michael Buell, Operations Superintendent for the 151st Security Forces Squadron, worked closely with Secret Service Personnel and Salt Lake Airport Police to coordinate security on base during the visit.

To meet the increased security requirements for the presidential visit, the 151st SFS asked for volunteers to cover extra shifts. Buell said they received an overwhelming response to the request and had more than enough personnel willing to put in additional time.

“We have a great traditional and full-time force here and they are always willing to help,” said Buell. “To be involved in something like this is very important to our Airmen.”

The presidential helicopter, Marine One, and the motorcade vehicles arrived at the base a few days prior to the visit. Airmen and their families had the opportunity to view both the helicopter and the vehicles the day before the president’s arrival.