35th Fighter Wing exercises war fighting skills

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Rachel Martinez
  • 35th Fighter Wing public affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Hundreds of members from the 35th Fighter Wing donned their gear and tested their survival skills during the combat evaluation readiness exercise held here Oct. 23-25.

The CERE is designed to test a wing's ability to survive and operate in a wartime environment while in their forward deployed location.

"With many of the 35th Fighter Wing Airmen just back from deployment and many new faces around the wing, the main focus of the CERE was 'getting back to basics,'" said Lt. Col. John Parker, 35th FW Chief Wing Plans, Programs and Inspections.

The back to basics approach began with familiarization in applicable exercise guidance. This included Pacific Air Force and 35th FW simulations, exercise Letters of Instructions and the Airman's Manual.

"Without the basic knowledge it is extremely difficult to fight the war," Colonel Parker explained.

During the exercise, participants were subject to intrusion of Special Operation Forces, dealing with unexploded ordnance and many different situations to test their capabilities.

"The wing showed a great learning curve, beginning with basic scenarios and quickly ramping up to chemical attacks with split MOPP conditions," explained Colonel Parker. "Information flow is always a challenge, but the wing responded with timely and effective communication by ENDEX."

The exercise allowed Airmen an opportunity to realize how important their roles can be in a wartime environment.

"We play a big role in the exercise, making sure that patients continue to be seen," said Tech Sgt. Daniel Island, 35th Dental Squadron as he conducted a post attack reconnaissance sweep. "The PAR sweeps ensure the safety of the patients and medical personnel."

Flying operations play a key role in wartime environments. When a flightline is attacked, it can seriously hamper the mission. Staff Sgt. Jesse Gent and the rest of the 35th Civil Engineering Squadron structural team are there to ensure the flying mission continues.

"We paint out the old stripes and paint new center lines to help make the best of what is left after an attack," he said. "We lay out signs to mark the new measurements on the runway so that the pilots know where they are going."

While practicing ability to survive and operate skills during a 12-or-more-hour shift can be draining, Misawa Airmen were up to the challenge.

"I have been extremely impressed with the great attitude demonstrated by Misawa Airmen," Colonel Parker said. "Everyone showed a great sense of urgency and followed through most exercise scenarios as if they were real world."

A CERE out-brief is scheduled for 3 p.m. Nov. 8 in the wing conference room.