Photo By Senior Airman Laura Muehl | KC-135R Stratotankers taxi back from the runway during the Nuclear Operational...... read more read more
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill.- Illinois Air National Guard personnel at the 126th Air Refueling Wing spent three days, Jan. 9-11, 2015, to hone their skills during an exercise at Scott Air Force Base, Ill.
“This mission is no-fail for the defense of the nation. Therefore, we take it very serious throughout the Wing,” said Col. Chris Mauk, Vice Commander of the 126th ARW. “All members need to know the playbook. This is a way we practice the playbook.”
The exercise that the Wing often participates in, called the Nuclear Operational Readiness Mission, requires keeping air crews on alert 24 hours a day.
When the klaxon alarm sounds, the crews have limited time to scramble to a KC-135R Stratotanker and take off towards their predetermined destination. At this location the crews will rendezvous with other aircraft, such as the B-2 bomber, to provide aerial refueling. This zero fail mission cannot be completed without the help of all 126 ARW members.
The citizen Airmen involved in the exercise encompasses everyone from the 126th Maintenance Group personnel checking on the aircraft to the force support squadron ensuring crew members are rested and ready to fly.
Maintenance group members were fighting below freezing temperatures as they prepped the aircraft for a potential alert response according to Airman 1st Class Kyle Maitland, a member of the 126th Maintenance Squadron.
“The colder conditions make everything on the aircraft more brittle and more likely to break.”
While practicing in harsh weather conditions is not ideal, the 126 ARW must be able to accomplish its mission, even in adverse weather conditions.
“It is freezing outside. You always wish you had more layers on.” said Maitland.
It is not just a learning experience for the crew members, other members are brought in from around the 126 ARW to form a Wing Inspection Team.
“The Wing Inspection Team members are appointed because they are subject matter experts on the area that they are inspecting,” said Master Sgt. Brian Goldenstein, a member of the 126th Safety Office and the inspection team. “They can help improve the processes that take place during the exercise.”
This was more of a learning experience then an inspection. There were inspectors out watching the personnel involved ensuring all trainings and the current plan revisions were effective, according to Lt. Col. Thomas Jackson, the 126th Inspector General. The IG makes notes and provides a report on how the 126 ARW performed overall to ensure that the mission maintains its zero fail rate.
“The wing performed well despite the challenging weather and other hurdles,” said Jackson. “Many units utilized this exercise as a training opportunity for the newest and least experienced personnel.”
| Date Taken: | 01.14.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 01.14.2015 15:53 |
| Story ID: | 151980 |
| Location: | SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, IL, US |
| Web Views: | 553 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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