LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
The 633d Air Base Wing, 1st Fighter Wing, and 192nd FW will conduct a combined Phase I and Phase II Operational Readiness Exercise at Langley Air Force Base April 16-20, 2012. This exercise will serve as a practice for the 2013 Operational Readiness Inspection, and will test all functional areas and capabilities of Team Langley's Airmen to project combat airpower. The combined ORE will be the first conducted by the three wings, and will involve the first Phase II ORE for the 1st and 192nd FWs since 2008.
Our Airmen will be tested on three critical areas during the exercise, including the ability to position, employ and sustain the force. Positioning the force occurs primarily during the Phase I portion, and involves force deployment and protection from Langley. Employing the force showcases Team Langley's ability to generate combat capable aircraft, projecting combat power from a deployed location while demonstrating our ability to survive and operate in a chemical environment. Sustaining the force proves our ability to sustain combat operations in all mission facets, from cyberspace operations to food services, from force protection to aircraft maintenance.
This critical area involves employing an effective transition of leadership from the air base wing commander in the continental United States to an air expeditionary wing in the simulated "Base X," where the fighter wing commander takes the lead in winning the air war.
During the Phase I, Team Langley members are reminded that during higher exercise threat conditions, wait times will increase due to increased safety inspections and defense measures. Unlike 2011's Phase I ORI, two-way traffic will be maintained at both LaSalle and Armistead Gates, making base access much easier than in the past.
For personnel that work and live on the north side of the installation, Lee Road will be accessible from Sweeney Boulevard immediately after entering the Armistead Gate. The Landings at Langley will also maintain a single point of entry at the Big Bethel Road entrance to Jamestown Village, and at the Hampton Highway entrance to Bethel Manor.
Throughout the exercise, especially during the Phase II, exercise players are reminded to keep safety as their top priority, employing operational risk management, wearing reflective gear in hours of darkness and ensuring everyone around you is hydrating. For those who do not have an active role in the Phase II, remember that simulated combat operations will occur across the installation into the night, and that the use of the giant voice, ground burst explosion simulators and aircraft sorties will be frequent.
Regardless of your level of involvement, everyone is a player. Demonstrating attention to detail in critical graded functional areas and maintaining a good attitude toward others during inspections will ensure Team Langley is prepared to win the day when tested in the 2013 ORI.