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MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. — In an era where rapid responsiveness and operational adaptability define readiness, the 22nd Force Support Squadron demonstrated the capabilities of modern Agile Combat Support Aug. 19, 2026 at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas.
A focused team of four Airmen executed a high-efficiency rapid-deployment exercise featuring the Single Pallet Expeditionary Kitchen alongside contingency lodging systems, emphasizing the unit's ability to operate with speed, lean manning, and maximum effectiveness.
“When units deploy to austere environments, the SPEK serves as the mobile tactical platform,” said Capt. Ian Lamont, 22nd FSS director of operations. “A single SPEK can heat and serve over 500 UGR (Unitized Group Ration) meals in approximately 2.5 hours, providing troops with a hot, calorie-dense meal of up to 1,450 calories per serving.”
Beyond refining tactical proficiency, the exercise served a vital operational goal: establishing a dynamic Civil-Military Expeditionary Asset Showcase. By bringing local civilian partners directly into the operational footprint, the 22nd FSS bridged the gap between military operational requirements and regional civilian resources. The initiative highlighted how modern force support assets can be deployed rapidly into austere environments while simultaneously giving local leaders a firsthand look at military sustainment capabilities.
The core of the showcase was a strategic, collaborative review designed to analyze supply chains, resource management, and contingency planning. By demonstrating the setup and operational flow of the SPEK and mobile shelter assets, the team led a structured dialogue with civilian counterparts to pinpoint key operational synergies and opportunities for improvement.
“That was my first time leading a team to set it up,” said Senior Airman Erica Campuzano, 22nd FSS unit deployment manager. “It was a little stressful because of a problem with the Babington Burner. We ended up needing a generator to run it, and luckily, the civil engineering squadron was able to provide that for us.”
This joint evaluation identified critical areas where civilian logistical support can directly serve as a force multiplier for base operations. Integrating regional civilian expertise and supply networks ensures that the 22nd Air Refueling Wing can streamline asset staging, enhance local resource availability, and overcome logistical friction during high-tempo operations.
As global threat environments evolve, the ability to project and sustain airpower from decentralized locations hinges on flexible, resilient sustainment models. The success of this 22nd FSS exercise reinforces that lean, well-trained teams equipped with scalable assets are essential to maintaining a decisive edge. By proactively building these regional integration channels today, McConnell ensures the wing remains fully primed to rapidly deploy, establish, and sustain critical expeditionary assets in any contested or contingency environment tomorrow.
| Date Taken: | 09.09.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 09.10.2026 16:09 |
| Story ID: | 574329 |
| Location: | MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, KANSAS, US |
| Web Views: | 13 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Expeditionary excellence: 22nd FSS showcases rapid sustainment capabilities, by SrA Patrick ONeill, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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