Liberty Wing reservists hop on first-ever Bunny Flag mission Published May 10, 2013 By Tech. Sgt. Andria J. Allmond 512th AW Public Affairs DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- More than 50 Liberty Wing reservists predominately from the 326th Airlift Squadron, participated in the first Bunny Flag exercise, March 3-5. A squadron-wide readiness training exercise, the mock deployment provided 326th AS members with real world experience in pushing the capability limits of the C-17 Globemaster and its crew. Additionally, the mostly traditional-reservist crew filled their non-flying hours with the required computer-based readiness courses and other training while both here and at their final destination, Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. "It all comes down to this," said Lt. Col. Robert Graham, 326th AS commander. "If we can't do these things, we can't do our mission. Everything has to be in check, from our CSS getting us out the door to ensuring all our (computer-based training) requirements have been met, to actually being able to perform the mission in the air and on the ground. "All these parts have to run seamlessly together; and you're not going to get that to happen if you don't have exercises as expansive and vigorous as this." The Dover team began their three-day excursion with a simulated intelligence and an in-depth passenger terminal briefing. Afterwards, the assembly participated in a group session of CBT instruction. "Having a large number of our TRs here at one time and in one place provides the perfect opportunity for us to ensure each one is current with their training and compliance items," said Graham. The Dover AFB team also supported an aeromedical evacuation training event for the 118th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, Tennessee National Guard, Nashville International Airport, Nashville, Tenn., en route to Nellis AFB. After loading the 19-person AE team, the Reserve Airmen continued to their cross-country destination. While in flight, loadmasters prepared for the forthcoming aircrew standardization evaluation visit by taking a pre-test composed of possible test questions. Day two of the exercise provided more training experiences for aircrew and nonflyers alike. While many members of the 326th AS team spent the day meeting computer-based and hands-on training requirements, approximately 12 wing members participated in a low-altitude exercise that included simulated defensive aerial maneuvers, combat landings and noncombatant evacuation operations. The flying task not only served to provide Dover crew members with a rare training experience, but it also served as a template for future Red Flag exercise operations. "We really got a reminder about the tremendous physiological effects of working in the low-level environment," said Master Sgt. John Kaffka, 326th AS flight examiner loadmaster. "Also, the fact that this mission could help influence the inclusion of NEOs into future Red Flag exercises made this an important operation for us to be a part of." Col. Tod Fingal, commander of the 414th Combat Training Squadron "Red Flag," was on hand during the flight to review possible application of the heavy-airlift into the Red Flag exercise-- the Air Force's premier air-to-air combat training exercise that includes both US and allied nations' combat air forces. "This is something that the force could really benefit training from (incorporating into the Red Flag scenarios), " said Fingal, who acknowledged the importance of training for strategic airlift in hostile environments. Fingal said he supports integrating the lessons learned from Dover's exercise into future Red Flag blueprints. "Overall, we met what we set out to accomplish here," said Graham. "We can go back to Dover knowing that our people are postured more ready than when we left. Additionally, we can boast of the 326th (AS) and 512th (AW's) direct influence on Red Flag. This experience was a resounding success."