News

Three wings come together to sharpen combat skills

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Grant Saylor
  • 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Reserve and active-duty Airmen here returned tired, but well-trained, after a week-long deployment to Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Michigan May 2-8. 

The mobility exercise was the second of three such training scenarios designed to prepare McChord Airmen for both real-world deployments and the operational readiness inspection scheduled for October. 

Once at Alpena, members of the 446th and 62nd Airlift Wings joined forces with Airmen from the 319th Air Refueling Wing from Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D. The three wings then operated under one air expeditionary wing and fought a simulated war that involved intensive around-the-clock training. 

"I'm pleased with the attitude of our Airmen and their sense of urgency during this exercise," said Col. Michael Hornitschek, vice commander, 62nd Airlift Wing and acting commander for the MobEx. "They were willing to immerse themselves in the scenarios we presented and work to effectively solve problems as a team." 

Exercise evaluation team members were on hand to critique Airmen on their ability to survive potential chemical and missile attacks, yet still be able to complete essential job tasks. 

"Wearing a chemical mask for hours at a time was challenging," said Staff Sgt. Lanisha Metz, 36th Aerial Port Squadron. "But being able to mentally prepare for a potential chemical attack and still get more proficient at my job was a huge learning experience." 

The leadership of the 446th AW seemed to concur. 

"I was pumped up, and so were our Airmen," said Col. Craig Petersen, 446th Mission Support Group commander. "Colonel Hornitschek adopted the mission theme, 'Bring It On,' and I think everybody did." 

Coordinating the efforts of three wings from two bases was a challenge that required careful planning to execute. 

"I think each wing gained knowledge of the efficiencies and attributes that the others bring to the fight," said Col. Henry Polczer, 319th ARW Operations Group commander. "We really appreciate the airlift expertise demonstrated by Team McChord." 

For first-time participants like Senior Airman Mike Pritchett, a 36th APS ramp loader, this MobEx was an eye-opening experience, despite the sleep deprivation. 

"There was a lot of camaraderie between Reservists and the 62nd," said Pritchett. "Plus, I think my waist has lost a couple inches from all the sweating--that'll probably help with my fitness test." 

Indeed, despite the demanding operations tempo of the exercise, Airmen seemed to be appreciative of the lessons learned. 

"This gets me excited about learning my career field," said Staff Sgt. Robert Cole, a paralegal with the 446th AW Judge Advocate office. "I get to see how my job is an important piece of the pie and contributes to the overall mission." 

Next up for Team McChord - a second flyaway to Alpena in September, followed by the ORI in October. Bring it on!