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Kadena Airmen welcome inbound forces during exercise

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Dave DeRemer
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AB, Japan --  Airmen working in the Kadena Air Base Reception Processing Unit welcomed simulated inbound forces Feb. 12 during Exercise Beverly High 08-4.

The Airmen had the opportunity to practice one of Kadena's primary functions, to serve as a forward-staging base and receive military units that may be needed in the Pacific during a major contingency.

Processing through the base RPU is one of the first stops for the inbounds.

"Our mission is to receive forces and maintain accountability until they're met by their unit reception monitors," said Capt. Renata Turner, RPU officer-in-charge.

In the RPU newly arrived members receive a welcome brief video featuring the wing commander and are given information on chemical warfare, force protection conditions and other topics before going through an in-processing line.

"Personnel view a video that informs them of basic information regarding all the base services available," said Captain Turner. "If they have additional questions, they can ask the respective agencies when they process through the line."

The newcomers also receive their billeting information at the end of the processing line before unit reception monitors take them to their respective units, said Captain Turner.

"We're responsible for assigning room keys, and giving out billeting assignments," said Senior Airman Arrin Lee, 18th Services Squadron lodging apprentice.

"We also keep a log of all room assignments for accountability purposes," added Senior Airman Jessica Jackson, also a lodging apprentice for 18th SVS

One of the services also offered on the processing line is chapel support. The chaplains can counsel those who request it, said Chaplain (Capt.) Tony King. Otherwise, individuals can just get information.

"We're here to answer questions regarding worship services and different faith groups," he said.

Reception of forces is just one aspect being tested during Beverly High 08-4. This is the final exercise before the Pacific Air Forces Operational Readiness Inspection here next month.