Courtesy Photo | Airmen from the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Mission Support Group erect tent...... read more read more
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Airmen from the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123d Mission Support Group recently completed a field exercise designed to prepare them for operating the new Deployable Combat Wing model in a contested environment.
Under the new Air Force concept, a wing will deploy to combatant commanders as a single cohesive team. Previously, expeditionary wings were constructed ad hoc by combining in theater several units deployed from multiple wings.
The exercise, called Kentucky Windage 2025 and staged May 19 to 23 in Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, focused on building the group’s readiness to support combat air power against peer adversaries, said Col. Kevin Krauss, 123rd MSG commander.
Nearly 70 Airmen, representing a cross-section of the group’s capabilities, participated in the exercise, demonstrating their ability to rapidly establish and sustain an operational airbase in a challenging environment.
“The exercise validated key aspects of the DCW model, ensuring the group is prepared to provide critical support functions in support of combat airpower,” Krauss said.
Key tasks included the rapid deployment of personnel via airlift aboard C-130J Super Hercules aircraft; the insertion of personnel via CH-47 Chinooks; establishment of essential base operating services like communications, ground transportation and logistics; recovering the base following simulated attacks, including runway repair and infrastructure support; and the provision of crucial personnel functions, including casualty reporting and mortuary affairs.
The exercise scenario began with the notional deployment of Airmen to an austere operating location. Within minutes of arrival, the team began establishing an airbase life support area, demonstrating their ability to rapidly provide essential services to support follow-on combat operations.
“This exercise was invaluable in identifying key areas where we can refine our processes and better integrate our forces, ensuring we’re ready to meet the demands of a complex global landscape,” said Capt. Matthew Hourigan, who planned the event. “Kentucky Windage represents a spirit of resourcefulness and adaptability, fighting with what you have and aiming true despite the circumstances. This isn't a final destination, it’s a direction. And from what I observed, we hit this target and we are ready for the next."
A unique aspect was the integration of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and high-yield Explosives training, ensuring all personnel were certified and prepared to operate in a contaminated environment, Hourigan said.
The exercise provided valuable insights into the limitations of a stand-alone Combat Air Base Squadron, he added, allowing the group to refine its processes and improve its ability to integrate with other units.
“Exercises like Kentucky Windage are critical for ensuring the 123rd MSG is ready to support the employment of combat air power in a contested environment,” Krauss said. “By challenging our personnel and pushing our capabilities to the limit, we’re better prepared to meet the demands of the modern battlespace and support the Air Force’s Agile Combat Employment concept.”
The 123d Mission Support Group is the most diverse organization in the Kentucky Air National Guard, providing essential base operating functions like security forces, fire protection, civil engineering, logistics, personnel, contracting and communications.
| Date Taken: | 09.28.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.28.2025 11:44 |
| Story ID: | 549479 |
| Location: | LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY, US |
| Web Views: | 28 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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