WHEELER ARMY AIRFIELD, Hawaii – The 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, conducted a Contingency Response Force validation exercise at Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii, Oct. 21.
The 25th Infantry Division validated the CAB’s ability to rapidly deploy its assets and personnel in support of CRF operations in the U.S. Army Pacific Command area of responsibility.
This is the second full validation exercise the CAB has completed.
“The CAB did a great job of executing all aspects of rapidly deploying,” said Maj. Jeff Huston, actions officer, future operations, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 25th ID, originally from Montpelier, Vt. “This exercise presented us with a better picture on how the process should be executed and allowed us to improve on any weak areas.”
CRF Team 5, comprised of elements from 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 25th ID, the Division Assessment Team, Assault Command Post, HHBN and the Division staff, supported the CAB during the exercise.
In order to obtain validation, the CAB was measured on its ability to perform equipment load-out, aircraft deployment, container transportation and personnel manifestation.
Prior to departure, a “push” team prepped each aircraft for a joint inspection before loading them into a C-17 Globemaster III.
“The team did an awesome job of prepping each aircraft,” said Staff Sgt. Lyndale Knight, Push Team leader, 2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, 25th CAB, 25th ID, originally from Fontana, Calif. “Soldiers from all battalions worked as one to complete the CRF mission.”
The exercise strengthened the CAB’s ability to rapidly deploy while providing a tool to train the next CAB Aviation Task Force to assume the Pacific CRF role.