Artic Gold

EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- Staff Sgt. Zachariah Fischer, 345th Maintenance Squadron, sorts through bags on a pallet during Arctic Gold 07-06 Aug at the Joint Mobility Complex. 28, 2007. The operational readiness exercise is used to test the operational-readiness status of the wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christopher Griffin)(Released)

Artic Gold

EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- Airman 1st Class Joshua Emmons, 354th Communications Squadron, checks a security sheet for accountability purposes during Artic Gold 07-06 July 28, 2007 at the Joint Mobility Complex. The main objective for Arctic Gold is to evaluate the Unit Control Center stand up, personnel accountability, processing of personnel and cargo, and force protection condition/information condition practices. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Christopher Griffin)(Released)

Arctic Gold

Icemen show colors during base-wide ORE

Published Aug. 30, 2007
By Tech. Sgt. William Farrow
354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- The men and women of the 354th Fighter Winger pulled together during Arctic Gold 07-06, an Operational Readiness Exercise used to validate the operational-readiness status of the wing.

The main objectives for ARCTIC GOLD 07-06 evaluated the stand up of unit control centers, personnel accountability and the processing of personnel and cargo.

The exercise also tested the Wing's reception of incoming forces capability and the Iceman Team's aptitude in force protection condition practices.

The exercise kicked off after Brig. Gen. Mark Graper, 354th Fighter Wing commander, received a "prepare to deploy order" and instituted an ALPHA recall of personnel at 3 a.m. Aug. 27.

The deployment order was based on an exercise scenario of military buildup and diplomatic responses occurring in the Pacific theater.

As the Iceman Team began reporting to their work centers, an emergency management exercise kicked off requiring deployment of first responders to the scene of an accident involving munitions personnel.

Despite other "scenario injects" implemented by Eielson's exercise evaluation team, cargo was palleted, personnel were processed and received and Eielson Airmen were directed toward their wartime locations.

As the ARCTIC GOLD 07-06 deployment actions progressed, other "scenario injects" relating to force-protection level security increases were implemented by 354th FW/ Inspector General exercise evaluation team members.

"The one thing we all must realize is that force protection is not solely the responsibility of security forces personnel--it's everyone's responsibility," said Senior Master Sgt. Andy Harper, 354th Fighter Wing Inspector General superintendent. "If something doesn't look right or feel right, ask questions; and if you don't get the correct answer, pick up the phone and call someone."

Overall, inspectors said they felt the exercise went well. However, according to Lt. Col. Derek Dill, 354th FW/IG, Icemen should expect an increase of activity fostering a heightened sense of urgency during future exercises.
"While it was the right pace for this exercise, next time we need to present the wing with greater challenges at an even quicker pace in order to keep on track for the PACAF Operational Readiness Inspection that is quickly approaching," Colonel Dill said.

"If this situation were real world, the pace would be greatly accelerated and we need to ensure our people are prepared for that reality."