Alaska NORAD Region earns ‘mission ready’ rating

by Tech. Sgt. John Gordinier
ANR Public Affairs

12/19/2013 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Members of the Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command Region (ANR) received the highest readiness rating after performing a no-notice alert force evaluation called Amalgam Mute 14-01 here recently.

The inspector general's team from NORAD's headquarters at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., evaluated all supporting elements of ANR's mission to maintain and generate alert aircraft to intercept unidentified aircraft.

"The NORAD IG evaluated multiple facets of our mission to include our planning processes at the region level to counter both symmetric and asymmetric threats as well as our command and control of alert assets," said Air Force Col. Charles Butler, commander of the 611th Air Operations Center.

Additionally, they evaluated the Alaska Air Defense Sector, which includes the 176th Air Defense Squadron service members who man their stations 24/7 monitoring the skies, Butler said. The IG also performed a fighter alert force evaluation in accordance with standard procedures.

"This is the first time they have inspected all three areas combined," Butler added. "Usually they inspect the region, sector and fighter alert forces separately."

At the end of the biennial evaluation, ANR and its supporting units earned the rating of "Mission Ready" across the board in all areas, which is the highest rating you can receive.
"It was a huge team effort and everyone performed admirably," Butler said.

Evaluation participants included: 611th Air Operations Center; Alaskan NORAD Region; 176th Wing including the 176th Air Defense Squadron; 3rd Wing including 3rd Maintenance and Operations Groups; 673rd Air Base Wing Command Post and Security Forces; 477th Fighter Group and the 168th Air Refueling Wing stationed at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska.

In the out brief, the IG team said they were very pleased and impressed, Butler said.
"The IG team was particularly impressed with our cross-command coordination and focus on safety in reference to weather and flight conditions," said Air Force Col. Brian Vaughn the 611th AOC deputy commander.

In the evaluation scenario, an out-of-communication aircraft was flying over the water. Two F-22 Raptors intercepted but maintained their distance and stayed over land versus flying out to the aircraft over water.

"You don't want to put your assets too far out over the water with high winds and associated sea states," Vaughn said. "Since it was an evaluation, we mitigated the risk by keeping the fighters over land thereby lowering the aircrews' risk. The IG team was pleased that we followed our procedures and measures keeping the aircrew safe while meeting mission objectives."

Butler praised the contributions of the civilians as well.

"They act as force multipliers by way of experience and continuity that cannot be overstated," he added. "Their efforts were noted and many of them were recognized as outstanding performers. It was a great way to pay tribute to their capability, skill and commitment.

"We attained 'Mission Ready' results because we have individuals who are dedicated and will not accept mission failure or even average mission execution," Butler concluded. "I'm very proud of all involved in the evaluation."