USAFE CAPEX 2019

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Caleb House
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Combat Ammunition Production Exercise, an exercise typically located at a Pacific Air Forces base, has been hosted by USAFE the last two years, most recently by the 31st Fighter Wing at Aviano Air Base, Italy, from Aug. 5 through 9. 
“During USAFE’s 2019 CAPEX, the ammo community overcame all limiting factors that reared their ugly heads while showcasing our ability to take the fight to our nation’s adversaries,” said Master Sgt. David W. Hardy, a munitions operations section chief at the 31st Munitions Squadron. 
CAPEX tests the wartime munitions tactics, techniques, procedures and capabilities of the Airmen participating. Working day and night, Airmen from several bases around the globe teamed up to safely and efficiently demonstrate their abilities. Exercises such as CAPEX allow Airmen to learn in a controlled environment to refine their craft.
Evaluators also came from multiple major commands to spectate and provide feedback during the exercise. 
“Team Aviano and our partners, who were mobilized from installations throughout both USAFE and the continental United States, proved to our enemies that we are not only ready for war but also willing to do everything it takes to execute all conventional warfare missions ordered by our Commander in Chief,” said Hardy.
Through exercises such as CAPEX, the Air Force is able to demonstrate to allies the ability of Airmen to rapidly prepare for contingency operations as well as its ability to defend against malign forces.