Features, News

37th AS lead joint airborne training, keep Airmen mission-ready

July 14, 2016
Story and photos by Airman 1st Class Lane T. Plummer
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Airmen from the 2nd Air Support Operations Squadron prepare to board a C-130J Super Hercules during a Joint Airborne / Air Transportability Training exercise June 30, 2016, at Ramstein Air Base. These Airmen maintain their proficiency in working cohesively during real-world events by participating in JA/ATT exercises several times a month with the 37th Airlift Squadron.
Airmen from the 2nd Air Support Operations Squadron prepare to board a C-130J Super Hercules during a Joint Airborne / Air Transportability Training exercise June 30, 2016, at Ramstein Air Base. These Airmen maintain their proficiency in working cohesively during real-world events by participating in JA/ATT exercises several times a month with the 37th Airlift Squadron.

The 37th Airlift Squadron carried approximately 300 Airmen from the 2nd Air Support Operations Squadron as well as a Container Delivery System in a C-130J Super Hercules and successfully dropped them over their destination during a Joint Airborne/Air Transportability Training exercise June 30, 2016, in Grostenquin, France.

The 435th Contingency Response Group and the 37th Airlift Squadron participate in JA/ATT training missions monthly to maintain mission readiness.

These events allow the 37th AS to assess airfield capabilities for Airmen participating so when real-world events arise where these skill sets are required, they will be able to carry them out successfully.

The crew of a C-130J Super Hercules inspect its cargo before taking off during a Joint Airborne / Air Transportability Training exercise June 30, 2016, at Ramstein Air Base. The 37th Airlift Squadron prepares Airmen for future missions by participating in JA/ATT exercises with other units several times a month.
The crew of a C-130J Super Hercules inspect its cargo before taking off during a Joint Airborne /
Air Transportability Training exercise June 30, 2016, at Ramstein Air Base. The 37th Airlift Squadron prepares Airmen for future missions by participating in JA/ATT exercises with other units several times a month.

According to Capt. Doug Mabe, 37th AS pilot, the event is a form of confirmation to the Airmen participating.

“These JA/ATTs are a way for us to validate our purpose for when these exercises turn into real-world events,” said Mabe. “It’s a test of our communicative abilities as much as it is our individual skills, regardless of career field.”

According to Staff Sgt. Derek Halverson, 435th Security Forces Squadron close precision engagement team leader and primary jumpmaster of the exercise, one of the obstacles Airmen wanted to overcome was the communication barriers that sometimes inhibit job effectiveness during real-world missions.

First Lt. Robert Lahr and Capt. Brian Vos, 37th Airlift Squadron pilots, prepare a C-130J Super Hercules for take off during a Joint Airborne / Air Transportability Training exercise June 30, 2016, at Ramstein Air Base. The 37th AS maintains mission readiness by integrating JA/ATT training alongside other units such as the 2nd Air Support Operations Squadron.
First Lt. Robert Lahr and Capt. Brian Vos, 37th Airlift Squadron pilots, prepare a C-130J Super Hercules for take off during a Joint Airborne / Air Transportability Training exercise June 30, 2016, at Ramstein Air Base. The 37th AS maintains mission readiness by integrating JA/ATT training alongside other units such as the 2nd Air Support Operations Squadron.

“We want to assess our capabilities as a whole with multiple Air Force Specialty Codes, squadrons and branches working hand in hand to fulfill mission requirements,” said Mabe. “This is another communication obstacle in the real world that we want to address. With these JA/ATTs, we hope to strengthen our relationships to prevent as many communicative mishaps as we can in the operating world.”

Upholding a standard of excellence is part of the tradition of the 37th AS, and with JA/ATT training missions, they are able to effectively employ air power and continue to develop their capabilities to complete the mission.

Staff Sgt. Alex Braatz, 2nd Air Support Operations Squadron Tactical Air Control Party Airman, participates in a Joint Airborne / Air Transportability Training exercise June 30, 2016, over France. The JA/ATT allowed both 2nd ASOS and 37th Airlift Squadron Airmen to test their career field abilities in an exercise environment to maintain mission-readiness for real-world scenarios.
Staff Sgt. Alex Braatz, 2nd Air Support Operations Squadron Tactical Air Control Party Airman, participates in a Joint Airborne / Air Transportability Training exercise June 30, 2016, over France. The JA/ATT allowed both 2nd ASOS and 37th Airlift Squadron Airmen to test their career field abilities in an exercise environment to maintain mission-readiness for real-world scenarios.
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