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Airmen test readiness during training exercise

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Liliana Moreno
  • 621st Contingency Response Wing Public Affairs

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. — Members from the 821st Contingency Response Group partnered with the 60th Air Mobility Wing, during a readiness exercise at the Amedee Army Airfield, California, Jan. 31 to Feb. 2.

The exercise highlighted the importance of contingency response forces' ability to support combatant commanders around the world during contingency operations by establishing air mobility operations at austere locations or during rapidly developing crises.

“It facilitates our shared mobility mission here at Travis AFB. As a team, we can learn, practice, test and improve the very processes that we would execute in response to real-world events,” said Lt. Col. Robert Kline, 821st Contingency Response Squadron operations officer. “The exercise also affords us the opportunity to train new CR Airmen and allow others to increase their proficiency and focus on full spectrum readiness as it pertains to future operating environments.”

During the exercise, a 50-member contingency response element performed 24-hour operations to facilitate C-5M Super Galaxy and C-17 Globemaster III aircraft operations. 

Airmen trained throughout the day on skills necessary to establish a forward operating base. The training focused on engine running offload for quick-turn cargo transfers, as well as night vision equipment operations.

“Ultimately, we are looking to prepare our Airmen and hone our mission effectiveness by executing specific scenarios that challenge our mental and physical toughness on the battlefield,” Kline said. “This exercise will help us increase our individual and unit readiness to meet future challenges.”

According to Air Mobility Command officials, the command is laser-focused on ensuring mobility Airmen are trained, prepared and ready for any contingency. Scenario-based training and mission-ready Airmen ensure a first-in, last-out capability to combatant commanders and extend the reach and persistence of joint forces in all environments.

“Environments tested in the exercise scenario will likely challenge the tactics, techniques and procedures that we have developed and become comfortable with during the last 16 years of conflict,” Kline added. “It also provides us with a terrific venue to incorporate chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense scenarios and learn from added challenges inherent in these operating environments.”