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20th FW practices like it plays

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jensen Stidham
  • 20 Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C --  Airmen across the 20th Fighter Wing from pilots to firefighters, participated in an operational readiness exercise here, Jan. 13 to 15, simulating a deployment to "Base X."

From deploying at a moment's notice to donning chemical warfare gear, Airmen assigned to the 20th FW enhance the skills needed to be prepared for whatever comes their way.

"OREs help prepare us to generate aircraft, and process cargo and people in an expedited time frame," said Staff Sgt. Daniel Brandon, 20th Equipment Maintenance Squadron aircraft special maintenance journeyman. "It also prepares younger Airmen for the operational tempos they will encounter down range."

Being in a deployed location can often times mean Airmen have to work longer hours than they normally would to make sure the mission is accomplished.

"My work day extended just a little," said Brandon. "I normally work 10 hour shifts, but during the exercise I worked 12 hour shifts to cover the demands of the flightline."

Not only did some Airmen have to work more, but at times they had to wear more.

"Having to wear mission-oriented protective posture gear while performing my job was difficult," said Staff Sgt. Phillip Turnage, 20th Component Maintenance Squadron aircraft fuels systems journeyman. "When MOPP level-4 was called over the radio we had to close down our maintenance area, don all chemical gear and take cover."

Being able and ready to don protective gear is a necessity in a deployed environment while still getting Shaw's F-16 Fighting Falcons up in the air.

"Being able to generate a large number of [aircraft] puts us at an advantage for any type of situation that we could encounter in any environment worldwide," said Turnage.

The next ORE is scheduled for March.

"[OREs] are very important and should not be neglected," said Brandon. "Any training exercise makes us all stronger and better prepared to defend the nation."