Phase 1, Phase 2 Exercise proves success

The 23d Wing recently wrapped up a week-long, Phase 1, Phase 2 exercise showcasing its ability to prepare, deploy and execute their mission at a moment’s notice, Dec. 4-8, here. 

The exercise tested operations, maintenance and logistics Airmen and successfully demonstrated the 23d Wing’s ability to rapidly deploy to meet the needs of combatant commanders. 

“Our mission at Moody - to Attack, Rescue, and Prevail to win today's fight - was evaluated and measured during this exercise and the wing did an amazing job demonstrating its commitment to the mission, said Col. Jennifer Short, 23d Wing commander.  "Our ability to meet the demand of combatant commanders downrange is no easy task and is a direct result of the hard work and attention to detail performed by the men and woman at every level.”

According to Maj. Joseph Morrin, 23d Wing director of inspections, the exercise is important for Airmen at all levels because it lets them know what to expect when tasked to support contingency operations with short notice.

“A Phase 1, Phase 2 [exercise] is important for the whole wing because we don’t know the specifics when it comes to contingency operations – we don’t know where or when we’ll have to go,” said Morrin. “They happen in a short time period, so it’s important that everyone knows their role and everyone knows what they have to do when the time comes.”

Although the weather turned cold and rainy, 23d Wing Inspection Team evaluators took to the flight line to assess not only the maintenance Airmen and how they handle the rigors of launching and recovering aircraft, but aircrew readiness during around the clock surge operations.

“The [23d] Fighter Group (FG) trained to execute its primary wartime mission to deliver and support the delivery of Close Air Support and Combat Search and Rescue missions in any theater, anytime around the globe,” said Col. Michael Curley, 23d FG commander. “Specifically, A-10Cs [Thunderbolt IIs] from the 75th Fighter Squadron (FS) trained in a variety of combat scenarios in adverse weather, during day and night, with joint terminal attack controllers. 

“Battlefield Airmen on the ground called in A-10 air support to deliver simulated weapons in close proximity to friendly forces to protect them and destroy the enemy,” added Curley. “The 23d FG's Operations Support Squadron developed the scenarios that tested the 75th FS’ ability to execute this mission.  Furthermore, our Air Traffic Control Airmen controlled a large volume of air traffic during challenging weather to safely flow aircraft around the local training complex.” 

The exercise also included assessments of Airmen from the 23d Logistics Readiness Squadron (LRS), testing their ability to hot pit refuel aircraft and generate and inspect 30 pieces of cargo estimated at 70 tons. 

“We’ve had almost all the groups getting ready, from the 23d LRS getting cargo ready to maintenance working 24 hours around the clock to have … aircraft ready,” said Morrin. “We had very specific learning objectives for the groups.