117th Air Refueling Wing performs Gen-X training

Photo By Tech. Sgt. James Bentley | The 117th Air Refueling Wing performs an aircraft generation training exercise on the flight line, Sumpter Smith Air National Guard Base, Birmingham, Ala., Nov. 2, 2019. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by: Staff Sgt. Jim Bentley)  

BIRMINGHAM, AL, UNITED STATES

11.02.2019

Story by Staff Sgt. James Bentley 

117th Air Refueling Wing

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Airmen at the 117th Air Refueling Wing performed an aircraft generation exercise Nov. 2 and 3 at Sumpter Smith Air National Guard Base.

At the sound of an alarm aircrew race out to the runway, board a KC-135 Stratotanker and start the engines. The crew has to perform the startup procedure as quickly as possible, making sure every step is done correctly.

An aircraft generation exercise, or Gen-X, helps the wing stay prepared for situations in which the base may be called upon to fulfill its role in the nuclear mission.

The annual exercise requires coordination from Airmen in a variety of career fields. Pilots and boom operators board and start the jet, and Maintenance and Aircraft Ground Equipment personnel are responsible for getting the aircraft ready to fly. Security Forces guard the entry control point to the flight line, Communications Flight personnel observe and look for vulnerabilities, and Air Traffic Control specialists make sure the runway is clear for takeoff. Safety Operations directs the aircraft generation on the ground.

“It is mandatory training based on regulations and gives our Airmen a chance to practice, learn, and refresh on our number one mission,” said Maj. Roseman Deas, Chief of Wing Planning at the 117th.

“It was great training all around.”

• Date Taken: 11.02.2019
• Date Posted: 05.19.2020 19:43
• Story ID: 352899
• Location: BIRMINGHAM, AL, US