110th AOG exercise brings 17 AF Airmen to "The Creek"

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Alec Lloyd
  • 110th Air Operations Group Public Affairs
The 110th Air Operations Group conducted its first major command and control exercise,
"Objective Focus 2010," on Aug. 9-13. The goal was to test the AOG's ability to maintain command and control over air operations and the event marked the first time the AOG generated an air tasking order, a major step in developing the Air Operations Center in Battle Creek.

To assist with the exercise, 12 members of the 17th Air Force's 617th Air Operation Center participated in the training. The AOG provides direct support to the 17th Air Force, also known as U.S. Air Forces Africa, which is based at Ramstein Air Base, in Germany.

"The support from 17th Air Force was instrumental in our success," said Col. Bryan Teff, commander of the 110th Air Operations Squadron. "This exercise has provided additional validation for our integration efforts."

Many AOG members have already deployed on missions with the 17th Air Force, and the visiting airmen took the opportunity to renew acquaintances.

"I know a lot of these guys because they've been to Germany," said Maj. Kimberly Polson of the 617th AOC. "It's a good training opportunity."

Major Polson sees the exercise as another step in the continuing integration of the two units. "The 110th is going to be training our people, so we're here training them," she said. "It's a learning experience for us all."