LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va –
The 633d Air Base Wing, 1st Fighter Wing and 192nd Virginia Air National Guard completed the final operational readiness exercise Feb 26-27, before the operational readiness inspection in April.
"Exercises like this one not only prepare for an operational readiness inspection, but also help maintain our day-to-day readiness," said Col. Donald Kirkland, 633d Air Base Wing and Joint Base Langley-Eustis commander. "We focus on operating and defending the base as a deployment platform for the 1st Fighter Wing, 192d Fighter Wing, and other JBLE units."
During the ORI more than 6,500 activity duty, Guardsmen and civilians took part in the in the exercise.
Lt. Col. Timothy A. Kodama, 633d Comptroller Squadron commander emphasized focus in anticipation of the upcoming ORI.
"We do not want to become complacent and rest on our laurels, so continue to sharpen your skills and leave no doubt for the IG inspectors of why we deserve an 'Outstanding,'" he said.
During the 48 hour exercise more than a dozen F-22 Raptors were deployed, with more than 680 personnel and 290 tons of cargo was simulated for the war zone on 14 airlift aircrafts.
After months of preparation and repeated exercises it's now time for the 633 ABW, 1 FW and the 192 VaANG to set their sights on the Phase I Operational Readiness Exercise, which will occur April 9 and 10.