JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Joint Base Charleston Airmen from multiple units traveled to Washington State to participate in Mobility Guardian, an Air Mobility Command exercise that ran from Aug. 2 to Aug. 12.
Approximately 3,500 AMC Airmen along with 90 aircraft participated in Mobility Guardian where AMC highlighted how the Mobility Air Force integrates with joint partners to execute global reach, deliver global power and enable global vigilance.
“Joint Base Charleston’s specific goal while at Mobility Guardian was to train like we fight,” said Capt. John Wendler, 437th Operations Group weapons officer. “We focused on integrations with Combat Air Forces, intel and intel surveillance and reconnaissance. Each day had a new complex problem to solve.”
The AMC participants were joined by aircrew members representing various countries and militaries. The exercise presented a unique opportunity to communicate the value of rapid global mobility in today and tomorrow’s fight.
“Mobility Guardian is AMC’s first ever flag-level exercise, consisting of participants from around the world, including Australia, Great Britain, New Zealand, Canada, Columbia, France and others," said Wendler.
Once on location, Airmen were presented with challenges they aren’t used to and were forced to overcome them during the exercise.
“JB Charleston Airmen were tasked with many different specific challenges,” said Wendler. “From near-peer enemies with advanced threat systems, moving cargo movements in compressed timelines, airspace complexity and simulated terrorist threats.”
Units from JB Charleston, including flying squadrons, the maintenance group, medical group and combat camera, among others, were tasked to go to Washington for the exercise. Each unit had a specific role in accomplishing the mission once there.
Of the various units sent to Mobility Guardian, the 628th Logistics Readiness Squadron played a key role in the exercise. The 628th LRS facilitated the movement of crews and mission essential equipment to ensure the exercise ran smoothly.
“[LRS members] support the aircrew movements on top of moving cargo and running bus routes,” said Master Sgt. Jeffrey Koenig, 628th LRS vehicle operations flight chief. “It’s very important. We move the aircrew because without the aircrew, the planes don’t get off the ground and the cargo doesn’t go where it needs to go.”
While in Washington, Charleston Airmen had a clear agenda with one collective goal in mind.
“Planning, prepping, fighting and winning,” said Wendler.