Reserve squadron augments PACAF during Keen Edge 2014

by Capt. David Tomiyama and Maj. Amy Hansen
713th Combat Operations Squadron

2/8/2014 - JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICHAM, Hawaii -- Reservists from the 713th Combat Operations Squadron deployed here to support Headquarters Pacific Air Forces during Keen Edge 2014, Jan. 24-31.

KE14 is a joint/bilateral exercise designed to increase combat readiness and interoperability between the U.S. military and the Japan Self Defense Force. The joint chiefs of staff-directed exercise was held at multiple venues in Japan and Hawaii and focused on coordination, force protection, host nation support, ballistic missile defense and non-combatant evacuation operations.

The 52 reservists from Beale Air Force Base, Calif., along with 18 members of the unit's on-island detachment, were among the estimated 500-600 U.S. participants from all branches of service.

"The 713th augmented the PACAF staff during exercise KE14 while also accomplishing our unit's mission training and certification for the year," said Col. Thomas Klingensmith, 713th COS commander. "We are proud to deliver combat power for the U.S. Air Force while developing relationships with our active duty counterparts and fellow 713th members."

The squadron was the main augmentation force for KE14 at HQ PACAF, stepping right into their roles with the Air Force Forces staff. From operations to logistics, civil engineering, and personnel, the reservists had a role in every PACAF directorate, providing much needed support to their active duty counterparts in response to exercise scenarios.

As the only Air Force Reserve unit whose mission is to support an Air Force Forces staff, the 713 COS' presence at PACAF is continuing to expand and evolve. From past Terminal Fury command post exercises to Operations Tomodachi and Damayan and the annual Republic of Korea exercises, Key Resolve and Ulchi Freedom Guardian, the Reserve squadron routinely finds itself supporting the major exercises and real world events that impact the Pacific region.

"The 713th is intricately involved across the entire spectrum of U.S. Pacific Command/PACAF operations. Their depth and breadth of experience is critical to synergistic operations and execution of the AFFOR commander/joint force air component commander/area air defense commander roles and responsibilities," said Don Herring, PACAF A5X Strategy & Plans Division deputy.

Eight members of the 713 COS were selected by the PACAF staff as either outstanding or superior performers for their contributions to KE14. Reservists named as outstanding performers were Lt. Col. Rob Morrill, Lt. Col. John Majerle, Maj. Justin Giovannettone, Maj. Christopher Hetrick, Maj. Caleb Honsinger, and Staff Sgt. Timothy Priest.

Lt. Col. Mike Thomas and Lt. Col. Kristi Forino garnered recognition as superior performers, ranking in the top .4 percent of all exercise participants.

"713th personnel have amassed an unprecedented portfolio of accomplishments in a short period of time, and are a vital part of the PACAF commander's team," Herring said.