Yokota Airmen rapidly mobilize in a no-notice exercise

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Airman 1st Class Kyle Smith, 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron load marshal, directs Senior Airman Joshua Evans, 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron cargo generator, where to place cargo loads during an operation readiness exercise at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Jan. 5, 2012. Several squadrons come together to inspect cargo before loading it onto a C-130 Hercules. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Krystal M. Garrett)

Yokota Airmen rapidly mobilize in a no-notice exercise

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Staff Sgt. Alfonso Dabdoub, (right), 374th Civil Engineer Squadron structural supervisor, measures the length of cargo during an operational readiness exercise at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Jan. 5, 2012. Several squadrons came together to inspect cargo before loading it onto a C-130 Hercules. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Krystal M. Garrett)

Yokota Airmen rapidly mobilize in a no-notice exercise

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Staff Sgt. Keith Lind, (left), and Senior Airman Joseph Stevens, both 374th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crewchiefs, read a general equipment manual to determine the placement of armor on the flight deck of a C-130 Hercules during an operational readiness exercise at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Jan. 5, 2012. Armor is installed into C-130s to protect crews, passengers, and cargo when flying in combat zones. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Krystal M. Garrett)

Yokota Airmen rapidly mobilize in a no-notice exercise

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan-- Senior Airman Joseph Stevens, 374th Aircraft Maintenance crewchief, prepares to install armor in a C-130 Hercules during an operational readiness exercise at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Jan. 5, 2012. Armor is installed into C-130s to protect crews, passengers, and cargo when flying in combat zones. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Krystal M. Garrett)

Yokota Airmen rapidly mobilize in no-notice exercise

Published Jan. 5, 2012
By Airman 1st Class John D. Partlow
374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Yokota Airmen were put to the test when Wing leadership implemented a no-notice mobility exercise at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Jan. 4-6, 2012.

The exercise scenario simulated the 374th Airlift Wing mobilizing to support U.S. allies and interests in the Pacific region; testing Yokota Airmen's ability to rapidly generate resources and equipment.

"As the sole airlift hub for the entire western pacific, we need to be ready to operate anywhere in the Pacific region at a moment's notice," said Maj. Jeffrey Smith, 374th AW chief of exercises and installation inspections and evaluations. "This exercise proved that we could do just that."

To support their exercise tasking, Yokota's tactical airlift fleet of C-130 Hercules aircraft had to be mission-ready.

In order to mobilize the "Hercs", the 374th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron worked around-the-clock fitting the aircraft with additional armor and defensive munitions that would protect the C-130s if they were to fly in a combat zone.

"We're postured with personnel and equipment to ensure the job gets done and in a timely manner," said Master Sgt. Jeffrey Beugelsdyk, 374th AMXS crew chief section chief.

The 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron also played a key role in the exercise by maintaining, processing and distributing equipment as it was prepared for the simulated deployment.

"There's no doubt in my mind we'd be ready to go at a moment's notice," said Tech. Sgt. Ernest Harrison, 374th LRS NCO in charge of cargo in-check.

With so many squadrons working together to execute their mobility mission, communication was a fundamental part of the wing's overall success.

"Communication is paramount because we have a lot of moving pieces in play," said Harrison.

As the exercise drew to a close Airmen took pride in their actions, knowing that they had proven their ability to carry out their mission at a moment's notice.

"It's awesome to know that we can do what we need to do immediately," said Beugelsdyk.