McChord Field stays prepared with MOBEX

Published Nov. 16, 2010
By Airman Leah Young
62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- The key to ensuring deployment is a success requires hours of work and collaboration from Team McChord. The 62nd and 446th Airlift Wings and 627th Air Base Group conducted a mobility exercise, or MOBEX, here Nov. 5 to 10 to enhance those skills and keep the three units prepared for deployment success.

"This is the first joint exercise since the 627th Air Base Group was established," said Col. Richard Moore, 62nd AW Vice Commander. "The 62nd and 446th Airlift Wings and the 627th Air Base Group were able to integrate seamlessly and work together as a successful team."

The MOBEX was conducted to improve the ability to survive and operate, solidify mobility processes and strengthen the ability to complete missions under adversity.

"The skills evaluated in the MOBEX are perishable," said Maj. Nathan Glavich, 62nd Airlift Wing Chief of Wing Plans and Inspections. "We perform these exercises to ensure our readiness."

According to Colonel Moore, this exercise focused on the wing's ability to deploy and operate from a completely bare base.

"This exercise gave us a chance to brush up on a wing core competency and ensure that we can perform it well," said Colonel Moore.

Not only did the 62nd AW benefit from working with the 627th ABG, reservists from the 446th AW got a chance to hone their skills alongside their McChord Field brethren.

"The 62nd and 446th have been working well together for a long time," said Col. Lane Seaholm, 446th AW Vice Commander. "We are happy to welcome the support of the 627th Air Base Group."

The 627th ABG was designed in part to enhance the ability of the unit to prepare for combat deployments, which directly applies to the efficiency of the MOBEX.

"It was a very strong team effort," said Col. Kenny Weldon, 627th ABG Commander. "At the end of the day, everyone recognized that we're all part of Team McChord."

According to Colonel Weldon, the seamless transition positively enhanced the performance during the MOBEX.

"The titles have changed, but the ability to conduct the mission hasn't," said Colonel Seaholm. "This MOBEX proved that this team still includes the same skill set and the same attitude to succeed."

Now that the MOBEX has successfully been completed, Team McChord will continue to maintain the same mission ready procedures until the next exercise. The Operational Readiness Exercise is scheduled for 2013.

"We are constantly improving," said Major Glavich. "We need to always maintain the capability and be ready to execute the mission."