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86th MXG shows again it is a mobility machine

  • Published
  • By Capt. Jeffrey Holland
  • 86th Maintenance Operations Squadron
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  The success of exercise Thracian Spring, the annual bilateral training exercise between the U.S. and Bulgaria March 26 to April 6, was the culmination of months of intense preparation by various wing agencies.

Within the 86th Maintenance Group, the 86th Maintenance Operations Squadron, Programs and Resources Flight was among the pivotal agencies involved in the planning and preparation that enabled the exercise to be such a success.

The 86th MXG Deployment Section, the focal point of the 86th MXG's deployment process, resides in the 86th MOS, Programs and Resources Flight. Responsible for coordinating the readiness and deployment activities of the entire group, the section provides focused monitoring and oversight of the readiness status of more than 700 personnel and more than 1,800 equipment items, not including numerous pieces of aerospace ground equipment and shop equipment items.

The section does not accomplish this feat on its own. Working as a unified team, the 86th MXG Deployment Section and the 86th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 86th MOS and 86th Maintenance Squadron unit deployment monitors share the responsibilities of maintaining the group's readiness status and fulfilling the group's numerous deployment taskings.

"The hard work of the 86th MXG Deployment Section and the squadron's unit deployment monitors allows the group to stand poised to respond to current and emerging missions throughout our area of responsibility," said Maj. Mark Hesse, 86th MOS commander.

The tremendous success enjoyed in exercise Thracian Spring highlights the behind-the-scenes work done by these often unheralded heroes, and shows how they play a pivotal role in the wing's success.

It was one of the 86th MXS unit deployment manager's, Staff Sgt. Catherine Fitzpatrick, who masterfully guided the MXG's preparations for this exercise.

"Sergeant Catherine Fitzpatrick excelled in running our preparations for the exercise, coordinating both within the group and with other wing and base agencies to make sure the mission was accomplished," said Master Sgt. Wolfgang Seng, 86th MXG deployment superintendent.

The initial preparations for Thracian Spring required a massive coordination effort, from conducting a site survey to building a tailored deployment package for the unique conditions of the operating base and flying operations.

"But the work did not end with aligning requirements and capabilities. The hands-on approach of the flight to the deployment ensured all necessary capabilities were delivered," said Sergeant Seng.

Working closely with the 435th Logistics Readiness Group, the 86th MXG processed 42 personnel and 21 short tons of equipment. This involved verifying each member's mobility folder, preparing cargo for shipment and assisting in the building of load plans. Hours were spent working with the Transportation Management Office at the Joint Mobility Processing Center to get every item ready. Sergeant Fitzpatrick even secured flight meals for the 86th MXG personnel to make sure they were ready to work immediately upon arrival.

"The UDMs' hard work paid huge dividends and resulted in unprecedented levels of maintenance support during the intense exercise operations," said Sergeant Seng.

According to Tech. Sgt. Bill Krumrei, 86th MXG Plans/Agreements coordinator, "The dedication of the 86th MXG Deployment Section and the squadrons' UDMs guarantees our success in real-world operations as well as exercises."

Since the beginning of 2008, they have overseen the deployment of 126 personnel and 39 short tons to support operations throughout the area of responsibility.

While rarely in the spotlight, the professional and dedicated efforts of the 86th MXG Deployment Section and the squadron's UDMs provide the power for the 86th MXG's mobility machine and play a pivotal role in the 86th Airlift Wing's success.