Team Dover deploys for ORI dry run

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Veronica A. Aceveda
  • 512th Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Moving beyond the classroom, Team Dover experienced simulated war operations during the Operational Readiness Exercise at Alpena, Mich., April 20 to 25. 

The exercise was in preparation for the Operational Readiness Inspection in July, when the 436th and 512th Airlift Wings will be evaluated on their ability to meet wartime taskings. 

Team Dover's Lead ORI Planner Maj. Derek Salmi, said the exercise marked the first time in the ORI preparation schedule that brought together a large number of both active and Reserve players in an Inspector General-type scenario. 

Both C-5 and C-17 aircraft were used to transport more than 750 Airmen from Dover Air Force Base, Del., to the Air National Guard's Combat Readiness Training Center in Michigan. For the exercise as well as the inspection, the deployed unit's name is the 805th Air Expeditionary Wing. 

All around the clock, active-duty members and reservists arrived on-site and received a series of briefings and billeting assignments. While some shared a dormitory style room with communal restroom facilities, many others shared a bunk bed in open-bay style buildings. 

"I was in an open-bay, and I never got used to other people's sleeping habits like snoring," said Staff Sgt. Joshua Runkles, 512th Airlift Wing legal office. "We all called this one guy 'truck.'" 

Sergeant Runkles, who worked the nightshift added, he welcomes the idea of having the bays split into the two different work shifts for the ORI. 

The dayshift was commanded by Col. Eric J. Wydra, who is the 436th AW vice commander at home station. For the night shift, Lt. Col. David E. Hafer Jr., the 436th Operations Group deputy commander, served as the 805th AEW's leader. 

Each shift endured several simulated attack scenarios, prompting all to wear chemical protective suits, body armor and gas masks, sometimes for durations lasting between three and four hours. 

"When you participate in an exercise that's the scope of an ORE, it brings into focus that we have adversaries other than those in the Middle East," said Colonel Hafer. "It's important to train like we fight, and the trip to Alpena gave both wings the opportunity to train like we fight - side by side." 

Under various alarm conditions and force protection conditions, Team Dover demonstrated their ability to survive and operate. 

"I really learned a lot there by actually applying things out of the Airman's Manual," said Sergeant Runkles. 

Major Salmi said personal ATSO skills were one of Team Dover's strongest areas, whereas communications can be honed. 

"It looks like we have the basics down," said Colonel Wydra. "I heard numerous positive comments from the Exercise Evaluation Team. We now need to concentrate on the details that separate an outstanding unit from a satisfactory unit." 

As the exercise progressed, Colonel Hafer said the lines between the Liberty and Eagle Wings were blurred, and the end result truly was "one team, one fight." 

The 512th AW Readiness Cell Director Lt. Col. James Johann added, he observed continuous improvement. 

"On the second night of 'war,' our folks learned from the previous night's errors and were beginning to really click as a smooth operating team, he said." 

Following days of eating Meals, Ready to Eat and being closely observed by the Exercise EET, Team Dover returned home armed with the experience and knowledge needed to excel in July's inspection. 

"I am proud of all the participants for their hard work and can-do attitude," said Colonel Wydra. "We just need to work the details. We have the talent to get an outstanding."