Airmen from the 154th Civil Engineer Squadron conducted rapid airfield damage recovery training at Bellows Air Force Station April 7, during exercise Pacific Warriorz 2024.
The primary objective of the exercise was to conduct base movement, rest and recovery efforts following a simulated attack on an airfield in order to improve readiness and strengthen partnerships within the unit and additional active and reserve component participants. of the US Air Force
This year, the exercise evolved to incorporate and enhance the concept of multi-capable Airmen, allowing participants to develop skills beyond their usual professional scope and apply new competencies in various roles.
“We are trying to improve our mindset to develop multi-capable Airmen by incorporating each participant’s Air Force Specialty Code or career field,” said Maj. Raymon LaFleur, 154th Civil Engineer Squadron executive officer and Warrior Exercise Director. from Pacific. “This gives everyone an idea of the different roles each AFSC plays in the exercise.”
During the simulated airfield attack, airmen were given a scenario in which a “suspicious chemical” was released onto the battlefield. The Emergency Management team, comprised of guardsmen from the 154th CES, reservists from the 624th Regional Support Group and active duty members of the 647th Force Support Squadron, was tested on their ability to adapt to stage.
“We had pre-established electrical routes when suspicious chemicals were released,” said Airman Angelblayze Padilla, 154th CES emergency management planner. “We rotated and ran runner routes to assess what was there and report back to leadership. “Airmen were ordered to don various degrees of mission-oriented protective posture gear in response to the chemical release.”
The exercise aims to strengthen partnerships between guardsmen, reservists and active duty whose missions support the same recovery efforts at the airfield. Guardsmen and reservists benefited from interaction with active duty.
“Exercises are often dedicated to catching up on administrative readiness requirements, so we do not practice as frequently as our active duty counterparts with the equipment necessary to perform the mission,” Padilla said. “It was really nice because they came to the exercise with a lot of experience. They gave us reminders and advice on how to act and how the team works. They had an active duty airman who was on top of everything all the time. It was good that they were with us.”
Following the simulated attack, the increased involvement and number of Airmen trained during increased recovery efforts exponentially increases the success rate and reduces the time it will take to return friendly aircraft to combat.
The explosive ordnance disposal team of the 154th CES also participated in the exercise. They play a critical role in the RADR mission as they are responsible for clearing impacted areas of the ordinance and giving the green light to proceed with airfield repairs.
“It’s very important to train with our (full force) counterparts, as we often do so at lower ranks,” says Master Sgt. Kareem Fuertes, of the Emergency Management Team of the 154th Civil Engineer Squadron. “They train together to develop the cohesion necessary to maximize their performance in the field and get our aircraft back into the fight.”
Date to be had: | 06.03.2024 |
Publication date: | 06.04.2024 02:14 |
Story ID: | 472934 |
Location: | WAIMANALO, Hawaii, USA |
Web views: | 13 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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