EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska - The 168th Wing conducted a vital training exercise to sharpen skills operating without radios or cell phones Oct. 17-18.
The communications out exercise tested the capabilities of the 168th Maintenance Group Airmen and reinforced the importance of clear communication across specialties, ensuring seamless KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft operations.
The exercise challenged the team to adapt to traditional communication methods before modern technology. The KC-135 Stratotanker is critical to air refueling combat aircraft, and with each scheduled launch, effective communication among specialists, pilots and maintenance crews is paramount.
Master Sgt. Cody Finney, a 168th Wing Aircraft Maintenance production superintendent, emphasized the critical need for effective communication.
”It's imperative to keep everyone informed up and down the chain and across the flight line,” Finney said. ”We need to keep moving to distribute the information to be able to launch.”
The comms out exercise ensured all personnel, whether involved in aircraft maintenance, operations or specialty career fields in the back shop, are on the same page.
Each team member played a crucial role in the launch process. Crew chiefs coordinated with pilots to verify preflight checks and conducted inspections to ensure the aircraft was airworthy. The production superintendent ensured the choreography of each movement was on time to launch. Personnel relied on face-to-face communication, whiteboards, hand signals, and visual cues, reinforcing the need for teamwork.
Throughout the exercise, personnel faced several challenges, including rapid changes in flight schedules. The team's ability to adapt and overcome obstacles with clear lines of communication highlighted their training and professionalism.
With all systems go, the KC-135 took to the skies, showcasing the culmination of the team's efforts.
The ability to launch and recover aircraft is vital for maintaining operational readiness, and the exercise emphasized the importance of communication in achieving these objectives.
The exercise reminded the team that, regardless of technological advancements, the human element remains crucial in military operations.