BELLE CHASSE, La., - The Louisiana National Guard's 159th Fighter
Wing will participate in a three-day operational readiness exercise this
week. It is the fourth exercise in a year's length to prepare for an
inspection by the Air Combat Command in April.
The exercise takes place here at Naval Air Station-Joint Reserve Base, where
a section of the base has been transformed to simulate a war in Al Udeid Air
Base, Qatar, with 800 members for the Air Expeditionary Wing actively
participating in the deployment.
Members of other bases volunteer in the exercise as inspectors to evaluate
different facets of the Wing including operations, aircraft maintenance,
munitions, security, network defenses and more.
Simulated scenarios are practiced throughout the war days while members
strive to function efficiently in their area of expertise. Examples of these
scenarios include compromising of intelligence, communication difficulties,
bomb threats, chemical attacks, handling improvised explosive devices and
media inquiries.
One of the mission critical functions is ensuring jets have a successful
flight. On day one, the Maintenance Group was busy on the flight line
preparing for jets to take off and responding to exercise injects at the
same time.
Master Sgt. Brian Krail provided guidance while his team was removing a tank
and conducting an after-fire inspection. "We are having a technical
expenditure. After we ensure there are no leaks, we will place the tank back
after an extra maintenance check, and we will get the jet up in the air."
At another jet, Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Turminello and Tech. Sgt. Bertrand
Woods assisted with troubleshooting an electrical trap within a transfer
pump. "We have to work together to check the different relays and see where
the problem is," said Turminello.
Distractions are expected to happen. Attack warning signals occur throughout
the war days and aircraft maintenance personnel are required to ensure tools
and jets are properly covered to avoid chemical contamination during the
attacks.
Tech. Sgt. Aaron Baltimore said that when alarm red or black occurs,
signaling an attack by air or ground forces, flight line members take
immediate cover and assume the proper postures including donning gas masks
and protective gloves.
Louisiana Air Guardsmen will continue to train and prepare for the final
inspection. The wing aims for a grade of "outstanding" in April.
Please visithttp://www.dvidshub.net/units/LAANGfor the latest Louisiana National Guard releases, photos
and videos.