Airmen train for contingency operations during Silver Flag

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Rey Ramon
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNS) --  Airmen from all over the Pacific region trained to establish and sustain a forward operating base during Silver Flag 09-09 Nov. 16 through 22 at Kadena Air Base.

In addition to their career field-specific training, the students were required to operate in simulated wartime conditions and to help reconstitute the base and the airfield following air attacks.

"The Airmen are tasked with many different scenarios that require them to utilize the training they have received during the week based on their own Air Force specialty codes," said Chief Master Sgt. Mark Lewis, Det. 1, the 554th RED HORSE Squadron chief enlisted manager. "The exercise is similar to an operational readiness exercise that the base conducts to ensure personnel can perform their wartime functions."

During the exercise, civil engineers honed their skills by working with basic expeditionary airfield resources, mobile aircraft arresting systems, emergency airfield lighting systems and airfield damage repair equipment.

Services personnel focused on three tiers of expeditionary feeding platforms: a single palletized expeditionary kitchen, a containerized deployable kitchen and a Bear 550 kitchen. They also trained to perform field mortuary functions and to provide morale, welfare and recreation services during contingency operations. Personnel specialists and contracting students also trained for the unique aspects of their fields in a contingency environment.

For many students, the most challenging aspect of Silver Flag was the long hours -- preparing breakfast in the early morning, wearing field gear for extended periods of time and preparing expeditionary support plans while attending training.

"Bottom line, it's challenging for these students in different ways," said Lt. Col. Kelly Harshbarger, Det. 1, 554th RED HORSE Squadron commander.

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