News

LRF demonstrates team cohesion and total force initiative during annual training

  • Published
  • By Jake Chappelle
  • 446th Airlift Wing
MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. --  Seventeen Reservists from the 446th Logistics Readiness Flight performed their two-week annual training at Aviano Air Base, Italy July 14-27.

The Reservists went to fulfill their annual training requirements, working with the home unit, 31st Logistics Readiness Squadron and trained in such capacities as, supply, vehicle maintenance, and fuels.

"I believe we did outstanding," said Capt. Robert Frantzen, 446th LRF fuels management officer. "We integrated into the work sections very quickly and became very useful. The Reservists received valuable training and more importantly valuable experience. Our members also took advantage of the location and were able to absorb some of the northern Italian culture."

Tech. Sgt. Ian Ramos, 446th LRF fuels Air Reserve technician, said the unit also made strides in team cohesion.

"I feel the unit grew as a whole and was able to come together as a team instead of as a group of individuals," said Ramos. "I feel annual tour is a great opportunity to train but also to grow amongst ourselves and to strengthen the relationship with the active duty."

The 31st LRS Airmen appreciated this relationship, according to Ramos.

"When we left we received nothing but praise from (our) active duty counter-parts," said Ramos, who's been with the 446th Airlift Wing since 2004.

Not only did the group grow as a team and build bonds with the active duty, but they got the training they needed and then some.

"We did all the training that we expected and got the bonus of seeing (Fuels Mobility Support Equipment) and hardened shelter refueling," said Ramos. "We got hands-on training with (hot refueling), maintenance, flight line operation, hardened shelter refueling, and training on the FMSE, which isn't available at home station."

Seeing new processes and techniques like these always benefit the unit, said Ramos. They are always looking for new ways to streamline and enhance their training program.

According to Frantzen, getting the chance to apply training in a real-world environment was priceless.

"Any time (traditional Reservists) get an opportunity to perform their jobs in a real-world situation, it's valuable," said the Bremerton resident. "You can only train so much, but you need real-world experience to be a well-rounded member of the (Air Force Reserve)."

Some Reservists were able to supply some of their experience to the active duty, in return by helping them gear up for their Logistics Compliance Assessment Program and Operation Readiness Inspection, according to Frantzen.

"We have a member who performs LCAP inspections and she was able to assist the host wing in their preparations for an upcoming ORI," said the field engineer for Northrop Grumman Corporation.

Overall, the Reservists got more than they bargained an open door for future training.

"When the host unit says you're welcome anytime, it makes me very proud," said Frantzen. "We reset the paradigm for them on how a professional reserve unit conducts its annual tours."