COMBAT READINESS TRAINING CENTER, Gulfport, Miss., Feb. 8, 2012 – Savannah's 165th Airlift Wing successfully completed its Air Mobility Command’s Operational Readiness Inspection (ORI) held here Jan. 30 to Feb. 5.

Operation Crisis Reach, as this inspection was called, tested the wing’s ability to support contingency operations around the globe at a moment’s notice in a hostile environment. The 165th was the lead unit for the 122nd Air Expeditionary Wing (AEW), which comprised the 403rd Wing, representing Keesler Air Force Base, here in Missississippi; the 433rd Airlift Wing, representing Lackland Air Force Base, Texas; and – of course – Savannah’s own 165th.

“Preparation for something like this starts at a slow pace, and then begins to build over several years,” said Maj. Sheldon Wilson, the 165th’s plans officer.

Ultimate planning for the actual inspection, Wilson explained, began more than 18 months ago.

“The lead unit – us – is the arbitrator between all the participating units,” he said. “It determines facilities, work schedules and all factors affecting the exercise operation. Our coordination is vital to a smooth deployment, execution and redeployment during the ORI.”

Colonel Mike Oberbroeckling, Air Mobility Command inspector general, announced that the 165th Airlift Wing had satisfactorily passed its ORI during a Feb. 9 out-brief at Savannah’s Combat Readiness Training Center.

The ORI was challenging for the combined unit because of continual thunderstorms, the 30 knot winds that prevailed during the ORI and because of the 90 percent humidity. Regardless of the Air Force specialty, the inspector general and his staff tested everyone participating in the exercise on their ability to survive and operate in a contaminated environment, and on their response to conventional air and ground attacks.

Earlier training had already prepared the 165th’s Airmen to perform a number of tasks, such as post-attack actions, report unexploded ordnance, respond to chemical agents, treat injured personnel using self aid and buddy care, and to clear a jammed weapon. Throughout the rigorous training and inspection cycle, every member of the deployed team was also taught to be conscious of safety and to look out for their fellow Airman.

“Any perception by anyone that ORI training isn’t realistic is unacceptable, by any standard,” said Col. Jesse T. Simmons Jr., the 165th’s commander. “It’s likely we’ll never face such dire circumstances as we did during the ORI; however, our unit will be stronger because of what we went through.”

Urgency and dedication to correct mission accomplishment is imperative, Simmons added. Even though the mission is simulated, the stress and fatigue it causes are real, and every Airman, from the top down, must learn to deal with it to meet mission success.

With about 800 Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Airmen in place, members of the 122nd AEW were able to demonstrate to their evaluators, the ability to successfully complete the mission as key leaders and buildings were attacked and taken out of the operation. As each scenario played out, Airmen of the next rank stood up, and stepped in, to fulfill the responsibilities and functions of their fallen comrades.

In one situation, for example, a building was destroyed. When that happened, Airmen performing alternate functions seamlessly took control as an alternate site was set up, and kept the mission going. When the ORI ended, many among the Airmen of Savannah’s 165th agreed that they felt a sense of great sense of accomplishment, especially when the IG report confirmed that the wing’s ability to provide global support to contingency operations is without question.

“Our organization and the citizens of this state can be proud of the way the Airmen of the 165th Airlift Wing, performed and represented them during this ORI,” Simmons said. “I know I am quite proud of each and every one.”

Story by Tech. Sgt. Chuck Delano

Photo by Staff Sgt. Noel Velex Crespo

Public Affairs Office

165th Airlift Wing