Vehicle Operations drive RED FLAG-Alaska 11-1

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Yash Rojas
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  The 354th Logistics Readiness Squadron prepares for RED FLAG-Alaska by ensuring vehicles are in pristine condition to support the surge in people and equipment in need of transportation.

Eielson Air Force Base plays host to RED FLAG-Alaska, an aerial combat training exercise, which attracts on average more than 700 people and up to 60 additional aircraft for a two week period. As a result of the temporary increase in military personnel, the 354 LRS provides and maintains a large government vehicle fleet that serves as the primary mode of transportation for members who are temporarily assigned to the base.

"In preparation for [RED FLAG-Alaska], we coordinate with the vehicle management flight to schedule vehicles for regular maintenance prior to the arrival of exercise participants," said Tech. Sgt. Timothy Smith, 354 LRS vehicle operations supervisor. "We make sure vehicles are 100 percent ready to go so key players can hit the ground running."

Much of the preparation relies on the regular maintenance of the vehicle fleet when not hosting RF-A. Annual inspections are done to ensure vehicles remain ready for operation, as well as periodic system checks and cleaning.

"Our Airmen also work hand-in-hand with the vehicle control officers assigned here in order to accomplish their requirements," said Master Sgt. John Victor, 354 LRS distribution section chief. "Our goal is to fulfill their needs with the vehicles that we have available."

During the large-scale training exercise, every day presents new challenges including increased work tempo, jet-taskings and deployments. In order to meet exercise transportation requirements, 354 LRS Airmen often work longer hours than normal.

"Our whole workload doubles at a minimum," said Sergeant Smith. "This year we will have to fall back on extended hours as we have more Airmen going out than coming back."

With hundreds of temporarily deployed members here to receive aerial combat training, it is important to continue operations without interruption, he said. The vehicle fleet--originally 78 vehicles--nearly doubles in size to satisfy training exercise needs and ensure training is carried on without unnecessary delays.

According to Sergeant Victor, past success is a testament to the hard work Airmen do to get the job done.

"Our goal within vehicle operations is to move personnel, provide vehicles and move cargo as efficiently as possible," said Sergeant Victor. "Our Airmen meet those requirements every day."

Many RF-A exercises also bring new foreign participants who sometimes do things in a different way. Each country brings something unique and as a result the Airmen within LRS often gain invaluable experience, said Sergeant Smith.

By providing the capability to mobilize, sustain operations, and receive cargo and personnel, the 354 LRS Airmen have continued to meet the needs of multinational participants, promoting RF-A as PACAF's premier simulated combat airpower employment exercise.