Beverly Midnight 15-2 improves Wolf Pack readiness

by Senior Airman Taylor Curry
8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

3/6/2015 - KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Wolf Pack Airmen tested their ability to survive and operate for the first time this year with various simulated wartime operations during operational readiness exercise Beverly Midnight 15-2 at Kunsan Air Base March 3 to 6.

This exercise put Airmen to the test by incorporating simulated protests, building evacuation operations, ground, chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high-yield explosive attacks, unexploded ordinance detection and self-aid and buddy care techniques into scenarios throughout the week.

"We put high emphasis on readiness here," said Maj. Julio Rodriguez, 8th Fighter Wing director of inspections. "We generate this exercise quarterly to ensure we are trained to upkeep our primary mission, which is being ready to fight tonight."

During the exercise, the Wolf Pack persevered through 24-hour operations and demonstrated their ability to perform under the stress of reacting to wartime actions and other hostile conditions.

"Being at Kunsan is unique, because we don't have to simulate every detail of our exercises," Rodriguez said. "We have the capabilities to go the extra mile, so we can provide our Airmen with the best training possible."

The first day of the exercise started out strong, introducing a scenario involving livid protesters attempting to force their way through the north entrance to the base. The 8th Security Forces Squadron expertly performed the appropriate actions for rules of engagement, by keeping the protesters out and ultimately continuing to defend the base.

Throughout the second and third days, indirect fire attacks were made and post attack reconnaissance teams went into full effect. North of the clinic, an unexploded ordnance device was discovered and was called in. The explosive ordnance disposal team then responded to deter the threat.

"This operation was a remarkable example of how training enhances our operational capabilities," said Airman 1st Class Taylor Lahteine, explosive ordnance disposal team member. "Every scene we encounter provides us with unanticipated challenges, forcing us to adapt and even further expand our broad knowledge of techniques and procedures. During this exercise, we quickly assess the area, the item, and we formulate a plan. Ultimately, we were able to complete our mission of protecting personnel and property, with each operator on the team making focused decisions."

During the exercise, the Wing Inspection Team, made up of subject-matter experts from the 8th FW and tenant units, inspected and observed the Airmen participating in BM 15-2.

"As Inspector General, my goal is to be the eyes and ears of the commander," Rodriguez said. "We have our WIT out there, comprised of many great senior non-commissioned officers, NCOs and company grade officers who ensure we are on the right path to being an effective wing."

Rodriguez added that as a base, we want to be 100 percent ready for anything and exercising will get us where we need to be.

"It's great to see the Airmen take pride in what they do, especially when they are out there crushing it, every step along the way," said Rodriguez.