Exercise puts Elmendorf members to the test

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jared Marquis
  • 3rd Wing Public Affairs
ELMENDORF AFB, Alaska --  "The 3rd Wing provides air superiority, surveillance, tactical airlift and agile combat support forces for global deployment." 

This mission statement was put to the test last week during a Phase I Operational Readiness Exercise. 

"An ORE Phase I, commonly referred to as a Polar Force Exercise, prepares 3rd Wing assets and personnel needed to support military engagements whether in peacetime or in the wartime environment," said Capt. Lynn O'Neil, 3rd Wing Inspections. "It also fine tunes processes developed to support operational plans created for personal readiness. The process starts days, weeks and months prior to any deployment whether scheduled or notional. Members of the wing are required to keep their personal affairs in order to meet national strategic objectives by meeting established readiness standards." 

In addition to testing the wing's ability to deploy forces, the wing was tested on its ability to handle emergency situations. 

One of these situations was simulating a riot at the Boniface gate and how Arctic Warriors would respond. 

"Elmendorf must be ready for a wide variety of emergency situations to include confrontation management. From Security Forces' rapid response to Staff Judge Advocate's ability to provide sound legal guidance, the 3rd Wing demonstrated the ability to handle this demanding situation in a professional manner," said Tech. Sgt Darrel Bailey, 3rd Security Forces Squadron NCOIC Standards and Evaluations
Another situation Team Elmendorf faced was a simulated fire in a munitions building in which they simulated three dead and seven more injured. 

"The scenario for the munitions emergency management exercise was developed against a requirement from AFI 10-2501 requiring annual munitions emergency response evaluation," said Senior Master Sgt. David Hudson, 3rd Wing Inspections. " The exercise focused on an accident in munitions build-up, necessitating emergency response efforts from multiple agencies across the base. Safety is paramount not only in day-to-day operations, but emergency response as well. The 3rd Wing had the opportunity to hone their skills giving way to flawless response." 

After it was all said and done, the 3rd Wing proved they are ready to go anytime, anywhere and on short notice. 

"This exercise proved once again that the members of the 3rd Wing are ready to 
respond when called upon," said Brig. Gen. Hawk Carlisle, 3rd Wing commander. "They are truly the best the Air Force has to offer and I am proud to have them at Elmendorf." 

Senior Master Sgt. David Hudson, 3rd Wing Inspections, contributed to this story.