AFSC News

Installation Support Done Right: Ensuring readiness in the global fight

  • Published
  • By Capt. Carly Costello
  • Robins Public Affairs

The 78th Air Base Wing conducted a deployment mobility exercise Jan. 4-12 at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia.

The exercise was a historical base-wide effort as it was the first time the wing exercised the deployment of forces at the same time it received Airmen from around the Air Force who are preparing to deploy in support of national missions.  

The more than 150 real-world deployers will stay at Robins AFB for no less than 14-days as part of Department of Defense procedures to ensure Airmen are COVID-19 free, protecting those who are already deployed across the globe.  

“Through a rigorous Inspector General led exercise planning process and a mature deployment machine, the wing successfully showcased its ability to receive and deploy forces. The exercise also meant the first time use of our new, state of the art Mobility Center, a significant game changer for Robins Air Force Base,” said Maj. Greg Swendsen, 78th ABW inspector general special projects officer. “We did this all while providing resources and care for our wingmen who are about to deploy.”

Led by the 78th Logistics Readiness Squadron, this exercise supported the entire base, allowing the 78th ABW to demonstrate “Installation Support Done Right,” a wing initiative in support of the 54 mission partners that make up Team Robins.

“This exercise allowed us to perfect our mobility process and ensure that Team Robins is effective and efficient in deploying forces down range,” said Col. Brian Moore, Robins AFB Installation Commander. “The process of mobilizing forces and the process of practicing and perfecting it is critical to our national defense.”

This was also the first time a mobility exercise was conducted in the newly renovated building, designed to make the mobility process easier for all those involved.

“This is a one-stop shop facility that allows us to streamline the mobility process for our deployers and those coming home,” said Capt. Greg Sears, Assistant Director of Operations for the 78th LRS. “This exercise, coupled with our on-going efforts to support real-world deployers during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowed us to gather data to see where we can improve, saving time and being able to project power, which is our people, forward to conduct national missions.”

This exercise and the efforts supporting the Airmen preparing for deployment follows PRIDE, the 78th ABW’s priorities focused on people, readiness, innovation, drive and excellence.

“Making sure this is right ensures we are taking care of our people and confirms readiness for our missions,” Moore said. “This base-wide effort shows innovation and drive to support our mission and people, and it is an example of drive and determination in striving for excellence. The 78th Air Base Wing is a power projection platform which uses this deployment process to take the fight to the enemy, so we must get it right.”

For those who played the role of the deployers in the exercise, they had to learn about the mobility process, providing them with capabilities to assist their fellow Airmen in a real-world situation. Role players were notified by their units and tasked to complete training, acquire gear, and pack their bags, simulating the steps of a real deployment.

Senior Airman Haley Hough, 78th Medical Group medical technician, said that initially the tasks seemed daunting but through the help from noncommissioned officers in the 78th Medical Group, she was able to navigate it and learn the process so she can help other Airmen going forward.

“I have never deployed before, so this was all new to me,” said Hough. “But it was a good learning experience that I can share with others.”

Moore reiterated these themes during his brief to the role players.

“Every little detail matters,” he said. “Every minute counts. You now have more experience doing this so you can help your fellow wingmen, ensuring the readiness of Team Robins.”

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