Allied Strike 2011 mayor cell: A big task, but rewarding

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Desiree Esposito
  • 86 AW Public Affairs
GRAFENWOEHR, Germany --  Feeding, billeting and taking care of the logistical needs of nearly 350 U.S. and NATO military personnel from 14 countries is a daunting task. This is the responsibility of the five-person mayor cell here at Europe's premier Close Air Support exercise, Allied Strike 2011.

The mayor cell team, from the 4th Air Support Operations Group and the 4th Air Support Operations Squadron, was the first to arrive at Allied Strike and will be among the last to leave, working diligently throughout the exercise to provide logistical support for all participants.

"We ensured the living quarters and bathrooms were suitable for use before everyone arrived for the exercise," said Staff Sgt. Maximillian McPhee, mayor cell supply manager. "Inspecting the facilities was a top priority for us before the exercise began."

In addition to making lodging arrangements, providing meals and water for the exercise participants is also a major undertaking. Troop Issue Sustainment Activity, a U.S. Army civilian support unit, is providing more than 8,000 Meals Ready-to-Eat for the two-week exercise.

"Our partner nations seem to love them," said Capt. Phil Adolph, mayor cell co-director.

It is now the mayor cell's responsibility to ensure the MREs are distributed to the participants and support personnel.

"We have to manage the MREs so we don't run out before the end of the exercise," said Sergeant McPhee. "We also purchase other necessities such as tissue and hand soap for the bathrooms."

The mayor cell is also responsible for personnel accountability. When exercise participants and planners arrived, they checked in with the mayor cell, provided their contact information, and were assigned billeting. Before personnel depart, they must also check out with the mayor cell.

Ensuring every servicemember has all of the basic amenities needed for their two-week stay at the Grafenwoehr Training Area is a big task, but a rewarding one.

"It's good to see everyone comfortable and enjoying themselves," said Capt. Nate Pincombe, mayor cell co-director. "When you recognize that, you know you have done your job and it's very rewarding."