Mission assurance exercise concludes

by Airman 1st Class Erin O'Shea
48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

6/27/2014 - ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- A three-day mission assurance exercise here wrapped up in the late afternoon, June 25, as base operations returned to normal.

RAF Lakenheath conducted the exercise to test the base's overall readiness and preparedness. The training was designed to emphasize the importance of combat skills effectiveness training and ensure 48th Fighter Wing Airmen are fully prepared for any contingencies.

"These exercises ensure Airmen can accomplish the mission during a heightened state of alert while providing combat-ready forces for close air and ground support," said Col. Kyle Robinson, 48th FW commander. "Striving for readiness is crucial to ensuring we are able to stand with our allies and defend our assets."

Throughout the exercise, Airmen prepared for emerging threats by responding to a variety of challenges, including a suspicious package, hostile engagements, hazardous material explosions and even dangerous weather conditions. Airmen were tested by the Wing Inspection Team on several areas vital to mission success, whether in a deployed environment or at their home duty station.

"These exercises help us prepare for real-world scenarios by coming up with creative ways to adapt and overcome shortfalls through medial training," said Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Hill, 48th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department station chief.

All units across the base played a crucial role in making this exercise run smoothly.

"Over the past several days we've risen to the challenges placed before us," Robinson said. "All the Airmen involved have shown a great sense of urgency and the ability to respond and save lives in these types of events."

As part of the 48th FW's top priorities, Airmen train like they fight to sharpen combat capabilities. This training assists in ensuring Airmen are ready to respond to real-world threats at a moment's notice.

"If we can be ready on our home station, it will make it easier to be ready on a deployment," Hill concluded.