Wolf Pack charges through Beverly Midnight 16-1

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Ashley Gardner
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Wolf Pack and ROKAF 38th Fighter Group forces tested their combined strength and readiness during Exercise Beverly Midnight 16-1 at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Mar. 7 through 11.

Airmen tested their contingency operation skills with a variety of challenging scenarios.

“At Kunsan we exercise frequently because of the importance of our mission in this region of the world,” said Master Sgt. Scottie Boyd, 8th Fighter Wing inspector general manager.

Airmen honed their skills in areas they don't get to practice during normal day-to-day operations.

 “Exercises give wing leadership a good site picture on where we as a wing stand during the execution phase of our mission if ever called upon during a real world scenario. Exercises also ensure we are always ready to execute our mission at a moment's notice,” Boyd said.

The scenarios Airmen participated in involved high tempo contingency aircraft launches, building evacuation operations, ground, chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high-yield explosive attacks, unexploded ordinance detection, and self-aid and buddy care.

“We simulate against the possible threats we could face in this region of the world,” Boyd said.

Beverly Midnight 16-1’s scenarios allowed Airmen to practice their contingency CBRNE response and readiness levels. Defending the base and responding to CBRNE threats 24/7 allows Airmen to work on their ability to react under pressure.

“The Airmen I've had the opportunity to speak with during this exercise understood the importance of why we exercise the way we do here,” Boyd said. “It shows them how important of a role they play in the success of our mission. It also gives them a sense of pride and motivation to give their all during exercise scenarios.”

According to Col. Jeremy Sloane, 8th Fighter Wing Commander, the Wolf Pack proved its ability to execute its mission to Defend the Base, Accept Follow-on Forces and Take the Fight North in a challenging environment.

“You only have to experience one exercise here to know that we exercise in more challenging conditions than anywhere else—on top of that, we exercise more often,” Sloane said. “We do this because we are the tip of the spear on Pen and the lives of more than 50 million people depend on our ability to fight and defend at a moment’s notice.”