Airmen practice skillsets during LORE

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Hailey Davis
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  The 18th Wing here is currently participating in Phase Two of a local operational readiness exercise, which started with Phase One on Sept. 9.

LOREs test the wing's capability to deploy and employ forces at a moment's notice in support of real world contingencies.

"This week we've showcased our wing," said Lt. Col. Chad Cook, 18th Wing chief of plans and programs. It has been nearly one year since the wing has exercised Phase Two and with more than 8,000 Airmen on this base, the 18th Wing's purpose this week is to demonstrate its ability to generate air power and fight the fight Airmen may be tasked with at a moment's notice.

Phase One of the exercise focused on the wing's readiness and capability to generate aircraft and deploy forces in support of the Pacific region, Phase Two focuses on demonstrating Airmen's ability to survive and operate efficiently in a chemical environment.

"(Brig. Gen. James Hecker's) number one priority is readiness so we can fight tonight," Cook said. "Fly, fight, win is the Air Force's mission and part of that is being able to survive, operate and employ in adverse conditions. We do that in (mission oriented protective posture) gear, in this case chemical suits, and we practice so that in the event that we do receive an attack, we can continue to operate without a hiccup."

LOREs are executed on a quarterly timeline, Cook said, and this training offers an environment for Airmen to practice skillsets necessary to survive during real world contingencies.

"We take the time to MOPP up and train different core tasks, whether we're flying jets, fixing jets or supporting the generation or employment of air power," he added. "We are routinely and actively trying to perform and accomplish the mission by executing with our MOPP gear on."

Cook explained that, in his 19 years of experience, he's experienced different operational tempos, and that Kadena has the highest he's experienced. With readiness being a high priority, protecting the defense of Japan if called upon on a moment's notice, the 18th Wing is ready to fight tonight.