23rd Wing tests combat readiness during ORE

  • Published
  • By Airman Brigitte Brantley
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  The 23rd Wing tested its ability to properly execute wartime missions during a Phase II Operational Readiness Exercise Feb. 9-13.

During the five-day exercise, Airmen worked 12-hour or longer shifts responding to various threats in a simulated deployed location.

"Phase II is about making sure we know how to handle downrange operations while being properly equipped and trained," said Senior Master Sgt. David Smith, 23rd Wing Plans and Programs superintendent. "After this exercise is over, I want to know Moody Airmen have the knowledge to go downrange, survive and return safely."

In March 2010, the Air Combat Command Inspector General Operational Readiness Inspection team will be here to conduct a Phase II Operational Readiness Inspection. An ORI is designed to test how well a base prepares for wartime taskings and sustains combat operations.

"The purpose of this exercise was to get the 23rd Wing to continue to improve its ability to operate and succeed in a combat environment," said Col. Kenneth Todorov, 23rd Wing commander. "We accomplished that and have made huge strides toward what will be expected of us next March.

"This Phase II is especially important since it is the last chance we have to solidify our Base X Plan and our processes," the colonel added. "Soon, we'll have to outline for the IG what our plan will be for that inspection."

The last ORI was in 2005, a year before the base was realigned from Air Force Special Operations Command to ACC. Due to these changes, the 23rd Wing is using this exercise to adjust to a new set of standards and expectations.

"We're taking the 'crawl, walk, run approach,' and right now we're almost at a walk," said Sergeant Smith. "We're figuring out what facilities to use, how much ramp space we need (for aircraft) and everything else required for the mission."

Learning to operate according to ACC standards has not come without challenges, but 23rd WG Airmen continually prove they are up to the task, said Colonel Todorov.

"The learning curve during this exercise was, once again, steep," he said. "The teamwork and fortitude put forth by our Airmen fostered huge success in identifying and fixing problems that popped up during the exercise."

Aside from those problems, the players improved in many areas, including ability to survive and operate skills, command and control, and ability to generate aircraft for combat missions.

"I'm so proud of the attitude, morale and esprit de corps they kept while making great strides in these areas, despite the challenges put before them," said Colonel Todorov. "It's very humbling to be the 23rd Wing commander.

"I want to personally thank each one of them for their professionalism, expertise, dedication and phenomenal hard-charging attitude," the colonel added. "As always, it's our Airmen who make the difference."