Readiness exercise provides training, tests Airmen

Photo By Senior Master Sgt. Emily Beightol-Deyerle | Staff Sgt. Kathryn Demory and Airman Ian Maxwell, both assigned to the 167th Airlift Wing’s aviation resource management systems section, review post-attack procedures during a training exercise at Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Alpena, Mich., May 7, 2019. Approximately 300 167th AW Airmen participated in the training event. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Emily Beightol-Deyerle)  

ALPENA, MI, UNITED STATES

05.10.2019

Story by Senior Master Sgt. Emily Beightol-Deyerle 

167th Airlift Wing, West Virginia Air National Guard

Approximately 300 167th Airlift Wing Airmen deployed to the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Alpena, Mich., as part of a readiness training exercise conducted May 3-10.

Dubbed Thunder Bay, the robust exercise tested the wing’s ability to mobilize, operate and sustain its mission while operating in a contested environment.

“We don’t do this for fun, we do this for preparedness,” said Col. David Cochran, 167th AW commander. “We do this to stay ready to do the bidding of our nation.”

Personnel representing functions across the wing participated in the event giving Airmen opportunities to train on processes they don’t typically encounter during unit training assemblies at home station.

“Training in the most realistic conditions possible strengthens each member’s muscle memory, thereby reducing the stress induced by the fog of war. After watching our Airmen perform this week, I am confident that the 167th will succeed in any mission we might be tasked with,” said Lt. Col. James Freid-Studlo, 167th AW Inspector General.

The 167th AW is scheduled for an operational inspection by the U.S. Air Force Air Mobility Command this fall.

• Date Taken: 05.10.2019
• Date Posted: 05.16.2019 14:57
• Story ID: 322646
• Location: ALPENA, MI, US