52d FW conducts ACE exercise

Photo By Senior Airman Valerie Seelye | U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 52nd Fighter Wing recover an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, Dec. 17, 2019. A small team of Airmen recovered and launched multiple F-16s during an Agile Combat Employment exercise on the flightline. The wing is scheduled to routinely conduct ACE operations in order to practice generating airpower in a contested environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Valerie Seelye)  

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, RP, GERMANY

12.19.2019

Story by Airman 1st Class Valerie Seelye 

52nd Fighter Wing

SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany --
Airmen from the 52nd Fighter Wing conducted an Agile Combat Employment exercise here, Dec. 17, 2019, to deter and ensure readiness for any potential short-notice threat.

U.S. Air Force Maj. William Tompkins, 52nd Operations Squadron senior intelligence officer, said ACE is a timely, proactive operation to increase survivability while generating combat power.

The exercise challenged personnel to support operations in a simulated adverse environment with minimal personnel, resources, and time. The concept allows the U.S. Air Force to spread out across Europe and operate in various locations.

“Multiple Airmen and organizations from across base have come together to develop tactics, techniques, and procedures,” Tompkins said.

Airmen met at the 52nd Logistics Readiness Squadron and received simulated deployment orders. They used the flightline to mimic an adverse environment. They recovered, refueled, loaded munitions, and launched multiple F-16 Fighting Falcons.

“The exercise was important because it showed how capable we can be in an exercise or real-world environment,” said Airman 1st Class Andrew Mach, 52nd LRS ground transportation support operator, who participated in the event. “This showed what our strengths and weaknesses were when performing certain tasks.”

Tompkins said the event directly aligns with the wing’s mission of delivering airpower options to prevent and combat aggression in order to promote regional stability. ACE is an Air Force mindset for combat operations throughout the 21st century, not just a temporary phase.

The concept is not new. The U.S. Military had roughly 18 main bases and many other operating locations in Europe at the height of the Cold War. The Air Force is continuing to adapt how operations are done due to evolving threats.

Although the first iteration of ACE took place here, 52nd FW Airmen are scheduled to regularly participate in ACE exercises at other locations.

• Date Taken: 12.19.2019
• Date Posted: 12.19.2019 08:19
• Story ID: 356361
• Location: SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, RP, DE