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Exercises important to McGuire readiness

  • Published
  • By Maj. Rich Bungarden
  • 305th Air Mobility Wing
MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, NJ. --  After Team McGuire's recent exercise schedule, everyone can now take a breath ... but not for too long, more is on the way. Team McGuire finished three major wing-wide exercises in the last 12 days. 

The MOBEX was the first time in almost a year-and-a-half that the 305th and 514th Air Mobility Wings conducted a joint exercise. "Deployers" had to overcome tremendous weather difficulties and displayed remarkable flexibility adapting to the indoor exercise scenarios. Interoperability was seamless as active duty and their Reserve counterparts acted as one team dealing with the challenges they encountered. The "Team" in Team McGuire was further showcased by the 621st Contingency Response Wing setting up tents from their deployable equipment packages for use by the 305 and 514 AMWs during the field portion of the exercise. 

In preparation for the Air Expo May 12-13, the base was required to have a major accident response exercise. This exercise practiced several events that could potentially arise during the Air Expo. The exercise culminated with a major aircraft accident scenario forcing on-base and off-base agencies to respond. While these are skills we hope never to put to practice, the importance of practicing was evident later that day when Marine Corps Air Station, Beaufort, S.C., had to deal with the unfortunate crash of a Navy Blue Angel aircraft during its Air Expo. Once again, the success of the exercise would not have been possible without the great attitudes of all Team McGuire members. A special thanks to members of the 305 AMW, 817th Global Support Squadron, 108th Air Refueling Wing and their families who served as role players during the exercise. 

Finally, the 305 AMW conducted an OPLAN 8044 exercise Monday through Wednesday. This is a relatively new mission to McGuire's active-duty force supporting United States Strategic Command. In July, McGuire will become the first KC-10 unit to receive an inspection for this mission. There will also be exercises in May and June as the wing refines its procedures in preparation for the July visit by the Air Mobility Command Inspector General Team. Wing-wide focus and support of these exercises will be vital in order for success. 

Three major exercises successfully accomplished in 12 days is something to take pride in. Exercises prepare everyone for inspections as well as the challenge of safely hosting more than 100,000 visitors to the base, but the most important aspect of any exercise is to prepare all units to do whatever mission they might be tasked to do. So, take a breath and acknowledge the base just finished a very busy time. But get ready; more exercises are on the way.