MUÑIZ AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Puerto Rico - U.S. Airmen assigned to the 156th Wing, Puerto Rico Air National Guard, conducted the Mothball 2 Combat Readiness Exercise March 6-9 at Carolina.
The exercise measured the wing’s ability to generate, employ and sustain contingency response capabilities in a war-fighting scenario, focusing on strengthening unit readiness and force lethality.
“Rapid deployment is key to the 156th Wing’s success,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Evaristo Orengo, wing commander.
The wing inspection team evaluated Airmen’s mobilization abilities and capability to sustain operations transitioning from peacetime to wartime while responding to simulated threats and emergencies.
“Our wing inspection team has validated our ability to self-inspect, ensuring not only full compliance with Mission Essential Tasks, but also bolstering our force lethality through adherence to these critical measures allowing us to be both swift and decisive in our actions,” said Orengo.
The 156th Contingency Response Group was measured on its ability to execute mission-essential tasks and deter adversaries while in a contingency location.
“Over the past several years, the CRG has trained in exercises such as this one, to meet the challenges posed by our adversaries and respond to national threats,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Luis Martínez, commander of the 156th CRG. “I’m confident in the preparation of our warfighters; their dedication is second to none.”
The wing inspection team performed under the operational control of the 156th Wing Inspector General Office.
“It is not the strength of the individual, but the collective effort that builds a powerful force,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. José Hernández, the 156th Wing inspector general. “The dedication and expertise of the WIT fortifies our readiness and ensures our wing can execute its wartime mission.”