WIngs combine efforts for upcoming exercise

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  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Eielson's 354th Fighter Wing and the 168th Air Refueling Wing are both immersed in total-force integration processes and will show their ability to team together in an upcoming command-led Operational Readiness Inspection in the fall of 2008.

To prepare for that inspection, both wings are taking steps to work together through a series of readiness exercises intended to promote development of Eielson's total force operations such as the air bridge and force reception and deployment, said Lt. Col. Derek Dill, 354th Fighter Wing Inspector General. Eielson had the first of those exercises in October.

"The best way for the wings to gain experience is to work together and the best way to do that is through combined exercises focusing on our shared wartime mission," Colonel Dill said.

"Since the 168th ARW is an Air National Guard unit, the best time to practice our mission is during drill weekends when the majority of 168th ARW personnel are on base and available for duty."

The next exercise, scheduled March 6 to 9, is the second of three such readiness exercises to prepare Eielson for the ORI. Like the first one, which occurred in October, the one in March will span a weekend.

According to Colonel Dill, significant effort is being taken to ensure that hours dedicated to the exercise are well-invested.

In order to permit some degree of personal planning, Colonel Dill said members of the 354th FW should expect the exercise to kick-off sometime on March 6, but unlike the one that occurred in October, this one will have no pauses. The exercise scenario will run continuously without breaks.

The March exercise will serve as essential preparation for the fall inspection. As such, both military and civilians are required to participate.

"As a critical part of the Eielson team, participation of our civilian work force in this exercise is vital for Eielson to hone its emergency and contingency response skills," said Charles Ford, 354th Mission Support Group deputy director. "Practicing these war-time scenarios ensures continuity of operations, especially as our guard and active military teammate's deployment tempo increases year after year."

The exercise could have a variety of impacts to anyone on base whether an Active-Duty or Guard member, civilian employee, or family member.

"It's important to plan ahead during these exercises," said Colonel Dill. "Traffic delays, ID checks at all facilities and extended duty hours are to be expected." He went on to say that reductions and/or temporary suspension of various services is also a distinct possibility.

Colonel Dill emphasized that military members should ensure their families are aware of these potential impacts so that they can make prior adjustments to their daily schedules as appropriate.

According to SMSgt Cleofas Trejo, 354 Force Support Squadron food operation section chief, the dining hall's hours of operations will not change for the exercise. However, the base fitness center will be closed during the ORE due to staff deployments.

The Eielson Child Development Center and School Age programs will extend their hours on March 6 and 7 to accommodate a potential recall and extended duty hours, said Ms. Debra Mettille, 354th FSS Airman and Family Services flight chief. However, she said parents will be required to make appropriate childcare arrangements March 8 and 9 which may include use of the Extended Duty Care Program.

"For our military members working the exercise, any care required before or after that time can be provided in Family Child Care Extended Duty Care program," she said.

She explained that military members working the exercise are authorized EDC, and are required to submit a referral signed by the members' first sergeant.

"Our FCC is pre-arranging the placement of children into FCC homes, and space will be allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis. All care provided in the FCC homes under the EDC program is free of charge to the family and referrals will be accepted for care through March 4," she said.