615th CRW conducts EDRE

  • Published
  • By Tech Sgt. Lesley Waters
  • 615th Contingency Response Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE,Calif. --  With hurricane season right around the corner and the wing known for operating at the tip of the mobility spear anywhere in the world across the contingency spectrum as America's 9-1-1 airbase opening force, the 615th Contingency Response Wing conducted an Emergency Disaster Response Exercise May 18 through 20 here.

The EDRE is designed to ensure the Joint Task Force - Port Opening team is ready for alert. The JTF-PO is a tool the U.S. Transportation Command commander can use to rapidly establish an aerial port of debarkation and initial distribution network, anywhere in the world, in support of joint expeditionary operations. Once established, the JTF-PO accelerates the flow of personnel, equipment and supplies into theater to support the full spectrum of operations from humanitarian missions to major combat operations.

"The 615 CRW must be ready to get on an aircraft within 12 hours of deployment notification and that doesn't leave any time for learning the process when we're really being tasked," said Lt. Col. Craig Theisen, 570th Global Mobility Readiness Squadron commander. "These types of exercises let us evaluate our capabilities and find those blind spots where we don't realize we have deficiencies. That way, when it really happens we can provide the seamless responsiveness the combatant commanders expect of contingency response forces."

The 570th Contingency Response Group here and the Army 689th Rapid Port Opening Element, out of Fort Eustis, Va., are in the current alert window. USTRANSCOM conducts an EDRE right before a JTF-PO team goes on alert status.

"Since the CRGs and RPOEs which comprise the JTF-PO team rotate periodically, an EDRE is required each time a new team is formed in preparation for alert," said Lt. Col. John Platte, 570th Global Mobility Squadron operations officer.

Every member of CRW participates in the EDRE, either as part of the deploying team or in support of that team.

As a unit deployment manager and member of the 573rd Global Support Squadron, Staff Sgt. Mahala Reyes ensures all the CRW members are ready to deploy at a moment's notice.

"I make sure their mobility folders and training are current," Sergeant Reyes said. "It is important the Airmen realize there is a lot to do in a 12-hour response time and keeping their training up to date helps the process go a lot smoother."

The wing operations center helps make things go smoother by being the eyes and ears for the wing commander. The center is the wing's 24-hour command and control node for all deployment and emergency-related events.

"We receive planning and execute notifications from higher headquarters and other outside agencies then brief wing leadership on requirements and provide recommendations to posture wing support," said Master Sgt. Anthony Mitchell, 615th CRW WOC superintendent. "The center monitors all activities until completed, ensuring deliverables are accomplished."

By the end of the exercise, the CRW Airmen gained a better appreciation for the complexities involved in rapidly deploying a large number of personnel, along with their equipment, anywhere in the world.

"They should also walk away from the EDRE more confident in their abilities, knowing that with teamwork, sincere effort and a sense of urgency, the seemingly impossible can be made possible," Colonel Platte said.