F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --
The 90th Missile Wing and the 37th Helicopter Squadron participated in Constant Vigilance April 11 through 15. CV16 is an annual Air Force Global Strike Command training event that exercises the command’s ability to support its conventional and nuclear missions.
The training event involves both command and control elements and operational units throughout the command and was an opportunity for Mighty Ninety Airmen to sharpen their vital skillsets. The activities associated with CV16 were based on notional scenarios and the timing of the exercise was unrelated to any real-world events as readiness is important year round.
"CV 16 was an opportunity to stress the wings resources and manning," said Jeffrey Haakinson, 90th MW Inspector General’s Office inspector. "The exercise scenarios were developed to see how units would respond to multiple events at once, and to exercise functions that don't normally get exercised at the wing-level."
The week-long training allowed the Mighty Ninety to practice worst-case scenarios as a team, which is a key part of success in times of crisis or emergencies.
"Scenarios are developed to test the wing response to selected events like an active shooter scenario or a bomb threat,” said Haakinson. "The scenarios allow all units within the wing to play in an exercise and work together, and to refine training objectives and requirements."
Proper execution of the mission while protecting people and assets is ingrained in every Airmen of the wing, but knowledge alone does not equal success. Airmen had the opportunity to put into motion their knowledge and skillsets, which is what training events are all about.
“Exercises help us integrate with different sections of the wing,” said Senior Airman Clinton Burnett, 790th Security Forces Squadron Tactical Response Force assaulter and designated marksman. “It’s good practice on responding to different sites and coordinating with agencies to get the mission done.”
It is especially important for newer Airmen to learn their roles and be in on the action on a larger scale, he said.
Exercises also help instructors and evaluators see Airmen perform, allowing evaluators to provide feedback for improvement.
“It is important for evaluators to be able to see Airmen perform their tasks at a training level,” Haakinson said. "These exercises provide an avenue for all agencies to review their procedures, practice events associated with scenarios, and make corrective actions discovered by unit personnel."
Overall, the wing worked towards accomplishing the mission to defend America with the world’s premier, combat-ready, ICBM force.
“I’m proud of our wing’s performance and this exercise highlights that success is achieved through hard work and dedication,” said Col. Stephen Kravitsky. “This was another reminder that our Airmen are professional and skilled individuals who make an amazing team.”