Team Seymour exercises deployed capabilities

by Airman Shawna L. Keyes
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

12/1/2014 - SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C.  -- Airmen from Seymour Johnson engaged in an exercise designed to test the base's ability to support worldwide contingency operations, Nov. 17 to 20.

Named Coronet Warrior 14-03, the exercise was filled with training and testing and simulations of challenges encountered in a combat setting.

"An exercise like this basically tests the wing's ability to affect combat power," said Master Sgt. Kevin Abendschoen, 4th Fighter Wing Inspector General inspections superintendent. "We fly simulated combat sorties, while the rest of the base protects and supports."

Abendschoen said exercises are important because Airmen build on their strengths and weaknesses, developing muscle memory, so if the base is called upon to conduct operations in a wartime environment, everyone is trained and ready. 

Exercise participants simulated security breaches, treated mock casualties, and launched F-15E Strike Eagles. The exercise also featured an Ability To Survive and Operate rodeo. The rodeo placed Airmen in several situations where they had to hone their ability to survive in a chemical threat environment.

"An ATSO is a great training venue," said Abendschoen. "It features several different stations with different events, whether it be donning chemical protective gear or defending assets by applying protective plastic sheathing so it doesn't get contaminated."

Above all, the exercise was about simulating real-world deployed settings so Airmen can achieve their mission when they participate in expeditionary operations.

"The exercise was executed well across the wing considering the short amount of time we had to plan for it," said Master Sgt. Michael Owen, 4th FW IG inspections manager. "The 4th FW Wing Inspection Team did a phenomenal job putting the exercise together. We were able to identify areas that we can improve on and we highlighted areas of strength."