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Wing tests, learns deployment readiness

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. John Gordinier
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  There has been much activity around Shaw throughout the week while hundreds of Airmen participate in a Phase I exercise, which tests Airmen on their capability of deploying personnel, cargo and aircraft to the fight.

"Phase exercises are vital to maintaining our combat readiness," said Col. Ted Uchida, 20th Mission Support Group commander. "While we routinely deploy forces (overseas), we don't typically stress wing resources deploying large numbers of people and large amounts of cargo in a short period of time with little advance notice. Additionally, we don't get the opportunity to evaluate our training of deployment skills, some of which are perishable."

"This is my first Phase I exercise and I have learned a lot from the personnel side of things," said 1st Lt. Marti Bernet, 20th Force Support Squadron club manager. "I learned about mobility folders and what is required in them to process through the deployment line."

The lieutenant said communication is "key" between organizations such as the unit deployment managers, commanders and deployment processing center personnel.

"Everyone has to be in communication with each other, otherwise, things begin to fall apart," she added.

"It's been a little bit of a bumpy road, but we are pushing through and learning very valuable lessons for future exercises and deployments," Lieutenant Bernet said.

These exercises are conduits of good information for Airmen who have not deployed or Airmen who have no idea how to deploy, she continued.

There is one thing the lieutenant found very helpful during the exercise.

"It was extremely helpful seeing commanders and UDMs around resolving issues on the spot," she explained. "Granted, we are trying not to have any issues, but the support and guidance they bring is very helpful and needed. Not to mention, it boosts morale when Airmen see their leadership checking on them."

"The attitude and excellence of 20th Fighter Wing Airmen are simply outstanding," Colonel Uchida added. "I've watched dedicated Airmen moving cargo and passengers with dedication and commitment to get the job done. While we're not at superstar level, the attitude is great and every Airman is trying their best and learning a ton along the way."

"It's been a valuable learning experience, since it's been a long time since anyone has gone through (an exercise,)" said Maj. Elwood Henry, emergency operations center director, and 20th Civil Engineer Squadron commander.

"I think, as always, I've been impressed by the effort of Team Shaw," Major Henry added. "I'm going to keep pressing to continue improving on lessons learned from this experience."

"When our nation calls the 20th Fighter Wing, we need to be ready to deploy at the drop of a hat," Colonel Uchida concluded. "Phase I exercises help to ensure we remain ready."