Yokota tests its readiness capabilities

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Eric Summers
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Airmen of the 374th Airlift Wing participated in an operational readiness exercise Oct.15 to 19.

"Exercises like these are performed first because they are directed by Air Force instructions and to keep war fighting capabilities trained and ready," said Lt. Col. Gary Herman, 374th Airlift Wing inspector general. "They also give the wing commander an independent verification of the wing's capabilities to perform missions."

During the exercise, the wing simulated providing humanitarian support after a simulated 9.0 earthquake hit Okinawa and caused a tsunami with 400,000 casualties. Simulated humanitarian and evacuation efforts were performed by the wing and included the airlift of eight short-ton cargo loads and deploying about 110Airman.

"Some scenarios that were exercised included a four-ship C-130 deployment," Colonel Herman said.

On Oct. 17 the wing tested its ability to receive non-combatants.

Other scenarios tested the wing's ability to operate despite harassment from special operation forces, the colonel said, referring to the last two days of the exercise in which the simulated mortar and chemical attacks by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. During this portion, the wing also exercised its post attack procedures.

Other tenant organizations also participated in the exercise.

"The 730th Air Mobility Squadron had the biggest participation. Their function helped the wing by loading and unloading aircraft since it's not organic to the wing," Colonel Herman said.

Overall, Airmen performed in a great manner with a sense of urgency, Colonel Herman said.