Kadena Airmen tackle exercise head-on

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Maeson L. Elleman
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Beginning Aug. 18, Kadena Airmen have been tackling additional operations in support of the ongoing mission focused exercise ranging from simulated deployment preparation and aircraft generation to chemical warfare survival and threat response.

However, units like the 18th Operations Support Squadron Weather Flight don't stop their normal, day-to-day mission - they just add to the list of responsibilities.

"Although we still perform our normal, real-world duties, we also perform additional weather tasks we might assume in a deployed or wartime environment," said Senior Airman Corrington Wheeler, 18th OSS weather forecaster. "Our flight's mission is important because we provide weather support and briefings to the 18th Wing flying squadrons as well as other deployed flying units on Kadena."

In the interest of safety for pilots and aircrew members, the weather flight plays an important role in determining conditions for inclement or dangerous weather. However, the flight also supports other units on the ground.

"In addition to direct aviation support, we provide airfield observations, resource protection (specifically weather watches, warnings, and advisories) for Kadena, sea condition updates for Okinawa, and tropical cyclone forecasts if needed," Wheeler added.

In addition to everyday tasks, the base will be tested on a multitude of areas ranging from the ability to survive and operate to employing special capabilities. Wheeler said these assessments bolster Airman readiness and effectiveness.

"In addition to ATSO, first aid, and general Airman's Manual training, the flight also trains on using back-up equipment (such as a Kestrel) and procedures during potential outages, tactical equipment (such as the TMQ-53) for deployed/wartime environments, emergency scenarios (such as producing Chemical Downwind Messages for attacks), and general weather knowledge," he said. "I believe it is important that we are up to date with training because it keeps us prepared for emergency or wartime situations, and that's what makes us so effective as the "Keystone of the Pacific"."

The MFE is slated to continue until Aug. 22. As the Keystone of the Pacific, Kadena hosts several exercises each year in order to maintain proficiency in order to provide peace and stability within the Pacific region.

Kadena is home to approximately 8,000 Airmen trained to respond in moments of crisis or war in order to protect U.S. allies and interests by acting as a power projection platform for forces.