RIGA, Latvia -- The hum of propellers fills the airfield as the
outside world is still silent and waking. It is 4 a.m. and sunny with clouds scattered
across the Baltic sky. Twelve Airmen work diligently reviewing checklists and
running inspections as fuel is pumped into two C-130J Super Hercules before
another busy day.
Airmen from the 37th Airlift Squadron out of Ramstein
Air Base, Germany, are just one of the units deployed to the Baltic countries
to participate in Saber Strike 16; a 13-country NATO training exercise held
annually.
From overseeing passenger safety and comfort to
ensuring proper airlift operations for NATO allies, the C-130J team is the
center of cargo and personnel movement for the exercise.
The 37th AS conducted formation low-level
airdrop training, assault landings and take-offs on unimproved airfields, air
landed U.S. Army Humvees and carried Army paratroopers for a static-line jump
training exercise June 12-22.
“This exercise is important because it’s a lot
harder to get this type of training in Germany,” said Capt. Doug Mabe, SbS16
C-130J mission commander. “The air space is more restrictive and we have
tighter timelines that we have to meet. We can also fly lower and to more
locations here than in Germany.
“It’s a great chance to explore new training opportunities
with our NATO allies and build bilateral partnerships with our Army brethren.”
These exercises usually go seamlessly for the
team, but that is due to extensive preparation and planning involving many
moving parts.
“We’re not at home station, so we have to bring
everything that we need with us,” Mabe said. “This ranges from maintenance support
to weather and intelligence.”
According to Senior Airman Sarah Meadows, 37th
AS loadmaster, this training not only allows them to hone their skills, but
brings them closer as a unit.
“It is rewarding to see how well we interact and operate
with our NATO allies,” said Meadows. “Seeing how seamlessly the exercise is
going is pretty satisfying. Also camaraderie is at an all time high while
participating in these forward-training deployments as you get to bond and work
with the same crew for a few weeks at a time and build trust with crew members
you may not work with very often.”
FTDs are a great opportunity to for younger Airmen to grow
with exposure to these types of exercises, Mabe explained.
“Seeing new and younger aircrew get a chance to develop
their skill set and train in challenging environments vs. back home where it
can be the same things over and over, is the most rewarding part for me
personally,” said Mabe. “It’s great to see new people come out and challenge
themselves and learn new things.”
This Ramstein team has a significant role in
the U.S. Air Force's forward presence in Europe, allowing work with allies to
develop and improve ready air forces' capabilities of maintaining regional
security.