Readiness Week: Displaying excellence

by Airman 1st Class Soo C. Kim
374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

10/11/2013 - YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- As the military faces fiscal uncertainty, members of the 374th Airlift Wing spent the week showing that they're still conducting their mission as the primary airlift hub for the Western Pacific during Readiness Week.

Going through multiple preparations and emergency scenarios, Yokota Air Base completed its Readiness Week, Oct. 7 - 11, 2013, showcasing its ability to provide swift and flawless airlift support in the western Pacific region, regardless of any difficulties that may come in its way.

The exercise began with joint training between the 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron and the 374th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, as they worked hand-in-hand preparing both cargo and aircraft for a simulated deployment.

Following the preparation, Yokota Airmen received base defensive skills training and ability to survive and operate training, which included: self-aid buddy care, decontamination and post attack reconnaissance.

The exercise ended with an active shooter and a chemical spill scenario.

"The emergency management exercise had two main objectives. First, we wanted to verify the training for active shooter and second, we wanted to assess our emergency operation center's ability to handle two simultaneous events on the base," said Col. Clarence Lukes, the vice commander of the 374 AW. "We threw an engaging exercise scenario and the wing performed well at both."

Readiness Week also provided Yokota leadership the opportunity to roll out the new Air Force Wing Inspection Team program, which focuses on small groups of experts who test Airmen's ability to conduct their mission under various circumstances.

The new program replaces the previous Inspector General inspections, which consisted of larger groups from outside the installation, a move that saves the Air Force money and gives the accountability back to the wings according to Maj. Yancey Walker, 374th Wing Safety director.

"Traditionally, we had IG inspectors descend on a base to ensure we are complying with the Air Force regulations," said Maj. Yancey Walker, the director of inspections for the 374th AW. "The new way we are going forward is using our own experts internally as agents to ensure the commander has the accurate picture of what's going on and also we can relay the best information up to Pacific Air Force to put that burden of compliance back on the commander."

Overall the scenarios and the training over the course of Readiness Week were a great success according to Lukes.

"We met many of our objectives, including the training of our WIT. We fell short on some, but there's always a room for improvement," Lukes said. "Readiness week is over but we have to stay vigilant. Being an airlifter means we always have to be on watch and I'm extremely proud of our Airmen and the job they have done this week and the part they play in being the best wing in the Pacific."