Identifying, Refining, and Strengthening

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Courtney Richardson
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz --  The 355th Fighter Wing practiced their ability to survive and operate under simulated conventional, chemical and biological conditions during an operational readiness exercise, Dec. 9-12.

"The objective is to identify weaknesses, refine processes, strengthen decision making and force the Airmen to think outside of the box," said Lt. Col. James Roy, 355th FW Inspector General.

These exercises help reinforce the training Airmen have received, as well as, help build experience and knowledge about what it takes to deploy from their home station and conduct operations in a deployed location.

"This is a lot different from what I would normally do in the dining facility," said Senior Airman Bryanna Ioane, 355th Mission Support Group food service apprentice. "Everything's a question of 'How do I do this? How do I make that happen?' All of the stuff that I would normally use isn't here. This (exercise) is making me improvise."

During the exercise, wing inspection team member's evaluated Airmen on their ability to react and respond to different scenarios, which included chemical attacks, cordoning off unexploded ordnances and providing emergency medical care. 

To add the feeling of a deployment, the Airmen worked out of an area on base known as Tent City. Throughout the exercise the Airmen responded to alarms, sirens and loudspeaker announcements.

"It's so important to test, evaluate and enhance our preparedness as a fighter wing and the United States Air Force.  We must be ready to go at a moment's notice," said Master Sgt. Mark Molineaux, 355th FW Inspector General inspection plans manager.