HILL AIR FORCE BASE — 419th Fighter Wing reservists and their active-duty counterparts were put through rigorous tests of wartime capability during a combat readiness exercise here earlier this month.

The exercise kicked off June 9 and ran through the wing’s unit training assembly that ended June 13.

Reservists in the operations and maintenance groups worked side by side with active-duty Airmen in the 388th FW to launch and recover aircraft on an accelerated schedule, similar to what they would experience in a deployed environment.

Aside from the flying mission, 419th Medical Squadron personnel responded to a simulated vehicle explosion, testing their ability to respond during a crisis, while reservists in the 419th Mission Support Group worked with their counterparts in the 75th Air Base Wing to hone the skills needed to deploy.

For periods throughout the exercise, Airmen donned mission-oriented protective posture gear, known as MOPP, to simulate the measures necessary to continue operations in a toxic environment. 

“This exercise was designed to train and test both wings’ ability to deploy and execute expeditionary skill sets,” said Lt. Col. Terry George, 419th FW inspector general. “We want to verify and validate our ability to execute our wartime mission. While we always have room to improve, I’m confident that the outstanding Airmen of the 419th are more than ready to answer their nation’s call when needed.”