Break time

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Airman 1st Class Nathan Ryan, 723rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron engine technician, idresses in a Mission Oriented Protective Posture level four ensemble while in alarm black during an operational readiness exercise here Nov. 20. The purpose of this exercise was to test the base's wartime capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Gina Chiaverotti)

Run

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Tech. Sgt. Thomas Gibson, A-10C Thunderbolt II crew chief and Airman 1st Class Todd Padgett propulsion apprentice, both members of the 75th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, run to a simulated bunker to take cover while alarm red sounds during a base wide exercise here Nov. 20. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brittany Barker)

Alarm red

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Airmen from the 723rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron run toward a simulated bunker in mission oriented protective posture level four ensemble during an operational readiness exercise here Nov. 20. Moody personnel participated in various wartime scenarios during the exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Gina Chiaverotti)

Don your gas mask

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Senior Airman Joshua Winchell, 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, A-10C Thunderbolt II crew chief, dons a gas mask while working on the aircraft here Nov. 20. Airman Winchell participated in a base wide exercise that required players to dress in mission-oriented protective postures. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Brittany Barker)

Break time

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Staff Sgt. Ryan O'neill, 23rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons crew chief, reads a book in a simulated bunker during an operational exercise here Nov. 17. The purpose of the exercise was to test the wing's ability to survive and operate in a conventional environment where the use of chemical and biological agents may be used. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Gina Chiaverotti)

ORE puts Airmen to the test

Published Dec. 1, 2008
By Airman 1st Class Frances Locquiao
23rd Wing Public Affairs

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Moody Airmen were put to the test as the base experienced a Phase I and II Operational Readiness Exercise Nov. 12-20.

The 10-day exercise took place in preparation for an Air Combat Command Headquarters Phase I Operational Readiness Inspection scheduled for September 2009 and Phase II ORI scheduled for the spring of 2010.

"The purpose of this exercise was to gear up and get ready for the inspections," said Maj. Eric Grace, 23rd Wing Plans and Programs chief of inspections. "We're looking to find weaknesses and fix them, so the base can excel during our inspection."

During Phase I, Moody tested its capabilities to rapidly deploy Airmen and assets in the event of a real-world tasking.

"For this portion of the exercise, we ensured agencies met the requirements for a deployment tasking," said Major Grace. "This included deploying the right number of Airmen, launching aircraft and preparing pallets.

We wanted to prepare Airmen for packing up in a moment's notice much like a deployment, he added.

The Phase II exercise simulated operations during a wartime mission in a deployed location.

Airmen tested their ability to don chemical gear, work in mission-oriented protective postures, practice self-aid buddy care, harden shelters, build bunkers and take accountability. Leadership also exercised command and control functions.

"Our overall goal was to survive and operate in order to meet the mission," said Major Grace. "We also want to get our processes planned so it will go smoothly the next time around."

The last time Moody participated in an ORI was during 2005 while the base was still part of the Air Force Special Operations Command, as the 347th Rescue Wing.

This will be the first time the 23rd Wing will be inspected since the re-structuring in Oct. 2006.

"We started from scratch with a building block approach to develop wartime combat skills in every Airman," said Col. Kenneth Todorov, 23rd Wing commander. "Our processes and functional areas continue to improve, increasing our ability to deploy our Airmen around the globe. While there are many positive takeaways, there is room for improvement."

The next Phase II ORE is scheduled for Feb. 2009.

"We have a lot of work ahead of us, and it's not easy to get into exercise/inspection mode," said Major Grace. "However, as long as we focus on what we need, we can refine our processes and show ACC we're the best in the Air Force."