148th Fighter Wing Conducts Realistic Training

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Jodi L. Kiminski
  • 148FW/PA
DULUTH, Minn. --  Members of the 148th Fighter Wing, Minnesota Air National Guard, are participating in an around the clock Operational Readiness Exercise May 14-17, 2009 to gear up for an important Air Combat Command/Inspector General Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI) in August.

The operational readiness exercises represent real-world deployments to combat zones. The Fighter Wing completed its Operational Readiness Inspection Phase I, with an excellent rating and are now preparing for Phase II.

Members test their operational and survival skills during the exercise by simulating missile attacks, random terrorist threats, civil unrest and situations that a deployed fighter wing could encounter in a war zone. Guardsmen wore protective over-garments and equipment during simulated attacks and continued completing their missions, such as maintaining force at a deployed location while launching and recovering jets. Practically all elements of the wing were represented to include communications, personnel, logistics, medical, services and aircraft maintenance.

Guard members from other states volunteered to participate in the exercise as evaluators and instructors. As experts in their field, they are able to share their knowledge with the fighter wing to better prepare for the Inspection.