Ready Tiger strikes Avon Park

U.S. Air Force security forces Airmen assigned to the 23rd Combat Air Base Squadron observes the area after detecting a passing vehicle during Exercise Ready Tiger 26-3 at Avon Park Air Force Range, Florida, April 16, 2026. The training reinforced combat readiness and the 23d Wing’s ability to identify, assess, and respond to potential threats in expeditionary environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rachel Howell)

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Ready Tiger strikes Avon Park

A U.S. Air Force security forces Airman assigned to the 23d Combat Air Base Squadron observes the surrounding area through a rifle optic during Exercise Ready Tiger 26-3 at Avon Park Air Force Range, Florida, April 16, 2026. The training reinforced combat readiness and the 23d Wing’s ability to identify and respond to potential threats in expeditionary environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rachel Howell)

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Ready Tiger strikes Avon Park

A U.S. Air Force security forces Airman assigned to the 23d Combat Air Base Squadron scans the surrounding area through a rifle optic during Exercise Ready Tiger 26-3 at Avon Park Air Force Range, Florida, April 16, 2026. The training reinforced combat readiness and the 23d Wing’s ability to detect and deter threats in expeditionary environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rachel Howell)

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Ready Tiger strikes Avon Park

U.S. Air Force security forces Airmen assigned to the 23rd Combat Air Base Squadron prepare to resume patrol operations during Exercise Ready Tiger 26-3 at Avon Park Air Force Range, Florida, April 16, 2026. The training reinforced combat readiness and the 23d Wing’s ability to secure and defend expeditionary environments in support of mission objectives. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rachel Howell)

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Ready Tiger strikes Avon Park

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 23d Combat Air Base Squadron monitor communications via radio while others observe during Exercise Ready Tiger 26-3 at Avon Park Air Force Range, Florida, April 16, 2026. The training reinforced combat readiness and the Wing’s ability to maintain command and control in dynamic expeditionary environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rachel Howell)

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Ready Tiger strikes Avon Park

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 23rd Combat Air Base Squadron take a brief rest between exercise injects in a wooded area during Exercise Ready Tiger 26-3 at Avon Park Air Force Range, Florida, April 16, 2026. The training reinforced combat readiness and the 23d Wing’s ability to respond to threats and operate in dynamic expeditionary environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rachel Howell)

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Ready Tiger strikes Avon Park

A U.S. Air Force communications Airman assigned to the 23d Combat Air Base Squadron reports simulated casualties following a simulated enemy indirect fire attack during Exercise Ready Tiger 26-3 at Avon Park Air Force Range, Florida, April 15, 2026. The training reinforced combat readiness and the 23d Wing’s ability to maintain command and control in contested, degraded environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rachel Howell)

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Ready Tiger strikes Avon Park

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 23rd Combat Air Base Squadron provide tactical care to a simulated casualty during Exercise Ready Tiger 26-3 at Avon Park Air Force Range, Florida, April 15, 2026. The training reinforced combat readiness and the Wing’s ability to deliver lifesaving medical support in expeditionary environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rachel Howell)

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Ready Tiger strikes Avon Park

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 23d Combat Air Base Squadron provide tactical medical care to a simulated casualty during Exercise Ready Tiger 26-3 at Avon Park Air Force Range, Florida, April 15, 2026. One Airman provides comfort and reassurance while others apply medical treatment, reinforcing combat readiness and the 23d Wing’s ability to deliver lifesaving care in expeditionary environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rachel Howell)

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Ready Tiger strikes Avon Park

A U.S. Air Force security forces Airman assigned to the 23d Combat Air Base Squadron returns fire at simulated hostiles during Exercise Ready Tiger 26-3 at Avon Park Air Force Range, Florida, April 15, 2026. The training reinforced combat readiness and the Wing’s ability to respond to threats and defend expeditionary forces in dynamic environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rachel Howell)

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Ready Tiger strikes Avon Park

U.S. Air Force security forces Airmen assigned to the 23d Combat Air Base Squadron take a knee and scan the surrounding area for potential threats during Exercise Ready Tiger 26-3 at Avon Park Air Force Range, Florida, April 15, 2026. The training reinforced combat readiness and the 23d Wing’s ability to secure and defend expeditionary environments in support of national defense objectives. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rachel Howell)

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Ready Tiger strikes Avon Park

A U.S. Air Force security forces Airman assigned to the 23d Combat Air Base Squadron holds position with an M240 light machine gun during Exercise Ready Tiger 26-3 at Avon Park Air Force Range, Florida, April 15, 2026.The scenario reinforced the importance of readiness in providing security and defensive capabilities in austere settings. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rachel Howell)

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Ready Tiger strikes Avon Park

U.S. Air Force security forces Airmen assigned to the 23d Combat Air Base Squadron conduct dismounted patrol operations during Exercise Ready Tiger 26-3 at Avon Park Air Force Range, Florida, April 15, 2026. Airmen were evaluated on their ability to execute patrol operations and maintain security in expeditionary conditions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rachel Howell)

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Ready Tiger strikes Avon Park

A U.S. Air Force security forces Airman assigned to the 23d Combat Air Base Squadron observes an area during Exercise Ready Tiger 26-3 at Avon Park Air Force Range, Florida, April 15, 2026. Airmen were challenged to maintain vigilance and respond to potential threats in a dynamic, expeditionary environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rachel Howell)

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Ready Tiger strikes Avon Park

U.S. Air Force security forces Airmen assigned to the 23d Combat Air Base Squadron examine a simulated suspicious package during Exercise Ready Tiger 26-3 at Avon Park Air Force Range, Florida, April 14, 2026. The training emphasized mission command, empowering leaders to make timely decisions in dynamic scenarios. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rachel Howell)

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Ready Tiger strikes Avon Park

U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 23d Combat Air Base Squadron set up an expeditionary camp during Exercise Ready Tiger 26-3 at Avon Park Air Force Range, Florida, April 14, 2026. High-tempo scenarios validated the 23d Wing’s ability to generate forces and sustain operations under pressure. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rachel Howell)

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Ready Tiger strikes Avon Park

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Andre Matthews and Senior Airman Brandon Long, 23d Combat Air Base Squadron weather journeymen, observe atmospheric conditions during Exercise Ready Tiger 26-3 at Avon Park Air Force Range, Florida, April 14, 2026. The training reinforced combat readiness and the 23d Wing’s ability to generate and project airpower in support of national defense objectives. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rachel Howell)

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Ready Tiger strikes Avon Park

Published April 24, 2026
By Airman 1st Class Rachel Howell

AVON PARK AIR FORCE RANGE, Fl. --

The combat-readiness exercise Ready Tiger 26-3 brought the heat, and Airmen answered. At Avon Park Air Force Range, Florida, Airmen pushed through security ops, comms checks, medical responses, and weather support in a high-tempo environment built to sharpen real-world readiness. Proving once again that readiness is built in the field, not the briefing room.