DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. — More than 200 Airmen assigned to Dover AFB participated in simulated events designed to replicate all the phases of a large-scale deployment during a 48-hour readiness exercise here Feb. 21 to 22, 2018.
Exercise Vengeant Eagle ‘18 assessed and evaluated Team Dover’s capability to deploy and conduct operations in a contested environment, said Maj. Christopher Smith, 436th Airlift Wing Inspector General chief of exercises.
Participants processed through deployment line stations and received training to ensure they had all required training and equipment prior to their simulated deployment.
Once deployed to the simulated base, the Airmen processed cargo and accomplished mobility operations, responding to a variety of simulated threats, including chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear. This required Airmen to perform routine duties while wearing the appropriate individual protective equipment, including CBRN protective posture.
“Many Airmen haven’t seen or experienced large-scale deployments along with operating in a contested environment, and this exercise was another step in the larger goal of full spectrum readiness for the wing and Air Mobility Command,” Smith said. “The constant evolving threats around the world require our wing be ready for multiple complex scenarios, and exercising these requirements at home station give our Airmen the valuable training and skills they need to continue to be effective warfighters.”
The term full-spectrum readiness was recently explained and expanded on by Chief Master Sgt. Shelina Frey, AMC command chief, in a commentary titled, “AMC command chief 2018 vision: Total Force Full Spectrum Readiness.”
“The readiness aspect is critical in all we do – readiness entails being ready for the fight: from having our family prepared on the homefront; to conducting and completing the training we need to accomplish the mission; to ensuring we have the equipment and expertise we need to not only sustain the fight, but to win the fight,” Frey said. “Whatever challenge the world presents, we have to do everything possible to ensure our Airmen’s readiness …
“I like to expand that definition when I say ‘big ‘A’ Airmen’ to also include our contractors, family members and retirees.”
While the exercise tested traditional deployment procedures, the intent was to ensure the wing is prepared for every aspect of deployment and aligns with Air Force priorities.
Another wing exercise is currently being planned and the feedback from this exercise will shape future training to ensure base readiness, Smith said.
Team Dover’s mission is to provide Rapid Global Mobility anytime, anywhere in the world. Whether it be support to disaster relief efforts or other contingencies, Dover AFB is ready to respond at a moment’s notice and continuous exercises like Vengeant Eagle help expand that capability.
“Overall, we were very pleased with the results of the exercise,” Smith said. “We hit our main objectives and were able to learn a lot in the process. We will continue to evolve our training and exercises to become better as a wing and mobility enterprise.
“I am extremely proud of the Airmen of Team Dover. Their positive attitudes and hard work really paid off, and it was evident throughout the exercise that they had a tremendous amount of pride and seriousness in what they were accomplishing.”