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Frozen Tundra: 62nd AW, 319th ARW flyaway

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Carrie Bernard
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
ALPENA, Mich. --  More than 850 Airmen from three wings battled freezing temperatures and simulated enemy forces this week as they combined to form the 602nd Air Expeditionary Wing at a deployed location.

Airmen and aircraft from the 62nd and 446th Airlift Wings at McChord Air Force Base, Wash., and the 319th Air Refueling Wing at Grand Forks AFB, N.D., combined resources for a major air mobility exercise.

“We called this particular mobility exercise ‘Frozen Tundra’ for a reason,” said Maj. Jon Fullerton, 62nd AW, chief of exercise and evaluations. “Although it’s cold, the training is essential. Everything we learn this week will be used to further prepare the wing for its operational readiness inspection here in June.”

Numbers will swell to more than 1,000 Airmen for the next mobility exercise as additional Airmen join the fight.

“Airmen from the 62nd AW, 446th AW and 319th ARW have assembled here to become the finest mobility team in the world,” said Col. Damon Booth, 602nd Air Expeditionary Wing commander. “Together we will bring air mobility to the fight.”

When the first group of Airmen started arriving they immediately began preparing for follow-on forces. “Our first priority is to ensure we can account for everyone entering the deployed location,” said Master Sgt. Joe Macias, 62nd Mission Support Squadron.

While Airmen settled into their new surroundings, 62nd Services Squadron Airmen quickly began working to set up a fully functioning dining hall. “People will have to eat [Meals, Ready to Eat], but we’ll also be providing two hot meals a day during breakfast and dinner,” said Staff Sgt. Jocelyn Ferber, 62nd SVS. “It’s a lot of work feeding everyone, but we know it’s a morale booster after working long hours and we’re happy to provide this service.”

Throughout the week Airmen in the camp battled simulated motor attacks, both real-world and exercise related injuries and other wartime scenarios. “We’ve done a lot of training on how to accomplish our mission in [mission-oriented protective posture] gear,” said Master Sgt. Monty Thompson, 319th ARW Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. “We feel we’re ready for any challenge the inspectors may throw our way.”

As Airmen kept the mission moving on the ground, C-17s and KC-135s filled the sky flying simulated combat missions. “This is exceptional training for our flying ops,” said Lt. Col. Bob Keirstead, 319th ARW Operations Support Squadron. “Of course, we’re also looking forward to bringing everyone home.”

All of the Airmen will return to their home stations by Friday.