Expeditionary kitchen training at D-M

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Mya M. Crosby
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Thirty Airmen attended expeditionary kitchen training at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base's Desert Lightning City, Sept. 29-30.

The Air Combat Command funded training was hosted by Babington Technology to educate Airmen from D-M, Luke AFB, Arizona, and Nellis AFB, Nevada, on handling equipment in a single pallet expeditionary kitchen.

The Airmen learned how to operate, repair and maintain the Babington Airtronic burner, as well as the Tray Ration heating system. These are all included in the Single Pallet Expeditionary Kitchen. The 355th Force Support Squadron will also be using the same equipment for their phase 2 training in November.

"The training is really beneficial to the Airmen because it sets them up for success," said Staff Sgt. Ayala Angulo, 355th FSS unit deployment manager. "That very kitchen is the only kitchen on D-M that is also our deployable asset, if we did require to be brought to a bare base."

Desert Lightning City is D-M's training ground that simulates a deployed location.  The Airmen had an approximate three -hour lecture and demonstration before they went hands-on with the equipment.

"They'll be able to diagnose any issues they have. When they deploy, they won't have to ask, call or read a manual, they'll have the first-hand knowledge." Angulo said.  "Everyone they're servicing, to include contractors, anyone that's going to be eating on base, benefits from this training as well."