Ellsworth exercises capabilities
By Senior Airmen Hailey Staker, 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
/ Published September 23, 2014
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Airmen assigned to the 28th Security Forces Squadron patrol a simulated perimeter during small unit tactics training at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Sept. 12, 2014 during an Operational Readiness Exercise. OREs are designed to help Airmen hone their skills in preparation of any real world contingencies Airmen may face. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Hada/Released)
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Senior Airman Marcus Miller, 28th Security Forces Squadron patrolman, provides cover in a defense fighting position during small unit tactics training at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Sept. 12, 2014 during an Operational Readiness Exercise. Defense fighting position provides frontline perimeter security with interlocking fields to protect resources from all directions - a vital element of small unit tactics. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Hada/Released)
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Airmen assigned to the 28th Security Forces Squadron simulate taking a hostile hostage during small unit tactics training at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Sept. 12, 2014 during an Operational Readiness Exercise. The training was a key part of the ORE meant to test the base’s abilities to react and respond to threats in a contingency environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Hada/Released)
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First Lt. Joseph Wilkinson, 34th Bomb Squadron weapon systems officer, boards a B-1 bomber on the flightline during an operational readiness exercise at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Sept. 15, 2014. The ORE tested Ellsworth’s capability and mission readiness to execute the mission properly while in a hostile environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rebecca Imwalle/Released)
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Master Sgt. Nathan Bryan, 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron NCO in charge of weapons loading, speaks to Airmen prior to munitions loading on the flightline during an operational readiness exercise at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Sept. 15, 2014. Crews of four Airmen loaded more than 20 bombs into aircraft during the exercise while being evaluated on the safety and effectiveness of the process. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rebecca Imwalle/Released)
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Airman 1st Class Daniel Sorters, 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron load crew member, secures a BDU-50 bomb onto a jammer on the flightline during an operational readiness exercise at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Sept. 15, 2014. The BDU-50 is an inert version of the 500 pound general purpose Mk 82 bomb. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rebecca Imwalle/ Released)
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Airmen from the 28th Medical Support Squadron place a splint on a simulated leg fracture at the clinic during an operational readiness exercise at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Sept. 15, 2014. During the exercise, the 28th MDOS Airmen increased mission readiness by training on valuable life saving techniques under the increased pressure of a simulated combat environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rebecca Imwalle/ Released)
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Col. Ty Neuman, 28th Bomb Wing vice commander(left), Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Peterson, 28th BW command chief, and Col. Susan Pietrykowski, 28th Medical Group commander, speak with 2nd Lt. Michelle Anderson, 28th Medical Support Squadron tri-care operations patient administration flight commander, at the clinic during an operational readiness exercise at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Sept. 15, 2014. Base leadership visited with clinic personnel to gain feedback on exercise operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rebecca Imwalle/ Released)
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --
Several units assigned to the 28th Bomb Wing participated in an operational readiness exercise to test the base's ability to react and respond to possible threats in a deployed environment, Sept. 12, 15 and 16.
Each year the Wing Inspections Office is required to conduct two readiness exercises, per the wing commander, in order to assess Ellsworth's ability to execute various operational capabilities.
"The design of the exercise was to test our ability to survive and operate in a [contested environment]," said Maj. James Smith, 28th Bomb Wing director of wing inspections. "We assessed the wing's capabilities to provide combat capability and provided a risk assessment to the wing commander in order to focus the efforts for improving effectiveness and process efficiency across the wing."
The exercise was broken up into two portions, as units conducted additional training in preparation for the event Friday - ensuring they had the equipment and knowledge necessary to perform successfully during the final two days, when most exercise activities occurred.
"We evaluated several types of tasks to include launching B-1 sorties, loading weapons on aircraft, performing Self Aid and Buddy Care on simulated casualty victims, and defending the base, to name a few," said Smith.
With Airmen deploying regularly, Smith added that each Airman must be ready to perform their duties before being exposed to the additional challenges of a combat environment.
"Exercising wing readiness provides opportunities for training, and it reinforces basic skill sets required to perform while deployed," Smith added.
Smith concluded that the base had a variety of high points and lessons learned - enabling Ellsworth to improve readiness levels as Airmen prepare for future exercises and deployments.