TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. —
The 552nd Air Management Wing concluded Agile Thunder, a readiness train at Tinker Air Power Base, Hill AFB, and Mountain House AFB Aug. 14-25, 2023.
Agile Thunder is a two-week train offering the models an opportunity to show operational readiness and agility whereas producing, using, and sustaining the forces in a simulated fight atmosphere.
The 963rd Airborne Air Management Squadron and the 729th Air Management Squadron had been lead squadrons for this occasion. They had been supported by the 552nd Plane Upkeep Squadron, 552nd Upkeep Squadron, the 552nd Operations Help Squadron and 552nd Air Management Networks Squadron, for a complete of about 1000 folks throughout the wing taking part in any respect areas.
“That is the primary time in about 10 years we’ve built-in throughout an train with the reserve unit deploying with the 970th AACS and together with the 513th IG crew as nicely,” stated Lt. Col. Anthony Keith, Inspector Common for the 552nd ACW. “The 72nd Air Base Wing performed a key position in getting the 552nd ACW out the door on time they usually at all times present glorious assist.”
“Our objective was to construct relationships,” Keith added. “This gave everybody an opportunity to get to know one another earlier than going out within the subject.
All through the train, the 963rd AACS flew an E-3 to Hill AFB and built-in with the 729th Air Management Squadron’s Management and Reporting Middle, and an E-3 additionally flew to Tyndall Air Power Base to combine with the 81st Air Management Squadron.
Keith famous that the 963rd executed a sortie armed with M-9 pistols for the primary time in about 16 years.
“The challenges in an train are as actual as we will make it to allow them to be uncomfortable, study the abilities, and put together for high-end fight in a protected atmosphere,” stated Keith. “We check worst-case abilities so Airmen could have sensible expertise in environments we hope they are going to by no means must function in.”
In the course of the Era section, Airmen carried out logistics and power era from a number of areas concurrently. The employment section included simulated chemical assaults, numerous threats, modifications in power safety circumstances and actions related to every, as nicely a E-3 operations from contingency areas.
“Our readiness workouts are essential to understanding how our Airmen’s coaching has ready them to satisfy the wants outlined within the NSS,” stated Col. Kenneth Voigt, commander of the 552nd Air Management Wing. “I’m very happy with how nicely everybody carried out all through the train.”
Keith stated one other a part of the train entails constrained logistics, in order that they don’t have a variety of computer systems or safe connections, making communication difficult. He added everybody concerned was compelled to determine the right way to function in restrained circumstances.
A community outage occurred in the course of the train and Keith stated it was actual, however the IG crew favored it as a result of an outage may actually occur. Keith added IG will solely name a pause an train if there’s a security concern.
“Everybody did a superb job even by harsh and difficult circumstances,” stated Keith. “They overcame adversity to make the mission occur and more often than not with a smile on their faces. I’m actually happy with all of the mission companions who participated in assist of Agile Thunder.”
