459 ARW deploys for training exercise

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Steve Lewis
  • 459th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. --  The 459th Air Refueling Wing flightline here has been a busy place the last three days as hundreds of Reserve Airmen load aircraft on the way to Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center, Wis. for a field training exercise Aug. 14-21.

Over the past few months, wing servicemembers have been participating in a four-step Operational Readiness Training Plan, which prepares them for real-world rapid deployment scenarios as well as an Operational Readiness Inspection in 2012.

This particular trip to Wisconsin marks the fourth and final part of the ORTP, which will build upon and culminate all of the field training the Airmen have been involved with while they perform duties in their respective career fields.

While at Volk Field, Airmen will provide contingency support at a simulated forward operating base. Facing multiple wartime scenarios, they will learn how to survive in a chemical environment, identify unexploded ordinance and respond to other threats.

Col. Russell A. Muncy, 459th Air Refueling Wing commander, is playing the role of deployed commander during the duration of the ORTP. While overseeing base and personnel operations, he will be involved with leading the charge on executing critical deployed functions.

"What we've been involved with in regards to ORTP is not necessarily preparing for an inspection, but preparing for world-wide capability. We always have to be ready at a moment's notice to deploy and carry out our wartime mission and this ORTP is a great opportunity for us to practice this," the wing commander said.

On Monday, one of the first teams of nearly 300 deploying personnel left Joint Base Andrews to prepare Volk Field for the start of the exercise. Before the main body of 459th ARW Airmen arrive, the advanced body or ADVON team conducted duties like setting up communications and opening integral facilities. As they are the first to arrive at the deployed location, ADVON teams are also the last to leave.

As ADVON commander, Capt. Albert Olagbemiro, 69th Aerial Port Squadron, lead the team in preparing Volk Field and the simulated forward operating base for a successful exercise.

"ADVON commanders are trained to deploy with teams to austere locations, secure the base and transition it to operational capability," Captain Olagbemiro said. "This will be an exciting opportunity to do what we're trained for and prepare more for the real thing."

As the 459th ARW sets up at Volk Field and starts their training, more news stories and photos will be published throughout the week. Visit www.459arw.afrc.af.mil for future details.