Misawa kicks off first ORE of the year

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Cammie Quinn
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Reports of missile attacks, in-bound aircraft, and special operations forces penetration flood the Emergency Operations Center at Misawa Air Base, Japan, as the 35th Fighter Wing participates in its first Operational Readiness Exercise of the year.

The base-wide exercise, scheduled Jan 23 to 27, is the first of several exercises designed to test the wing's ability to survive and operate while responding to simulated emergency situations in a combat environment.

"The over-arching goal of these exercises is to prepare Airmen to execute wartime missions," said Maj. Greg Whitaker, 35th Communications Squadron commander and acting EOC director. "Exercises like these give us the tools needed to succeed in a combat environment."

"During the exercise, the Exercise Evaluation Team injects simulated enemy activity and operational scenarios, initiating reactions and responses throughout the base. The goal is to react to the scenarios quickly, enabling the base to return to normal base functions as soon as possible, Major Whitaker said.

"It's a team effort by everyone," he added. "From reporting, reacting and staging-- each action works toward enabling the base to get back to performing the mission."

One squadron stands at the forefront of the effort to help get the base back on its feet. The 35th Civil Engineer Squadron Airmen put out fires, monitor chemical threats, coordinate emergency responses and make rapid runway repairs to minimize downtime in flight operations following an attack.

"Airfield Damage Assessment Teams evaluate damages on the airfield, establish cordon distances, and safe unexploded ordnances on the spot," said Senior Airman Marquis Williams, 35th Civil Engineer Squadron programs flight. "Once we receive the information from the ADAT, we plot any reported damages to determine a best suitable minimum operating strip."

By plotting and determining an airfield strip quickly, and then making rapid runway repairs, aircraft are able to get back in the fight and continue the mission, he added.

While Airmen continue to respond to emergencies, wing leadership remains confident Misawa's Airmen are ready to bring their expertise to the battlefield.

"Ultimately, exercises prepare Airmen to react to emergency and contingency situations," said Col. Van Wimmer, 35th Fighter Wing vice commander. "Preparing for war during peacetime enables us to react swiftly and decisively when the hammer falls."