Features, News

Exercise Operation Varsity: 2nd Down

May 16, 2019

by Staff Sgt. Jimmie D. Pike
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Members of the 86th Airlift Wing and surrounding Kaiserslautern Military Community concluded the second installment of Exercise Operation Varsity, an exercise to enhance full spectrum readiness, May 10 on Ramstein Air Base.

A simulated traffic accident victim speaks to a U.S. Air Force Chaplain during Exercise Operation Varsity 19-02 on Ramstein Air Base, May 10. The 86th Airlift Wing Chaplain Corps supported injured members before they were transported to medical treatment facilities.

During the exercise, personnel assigned to the 86th AW were tested on their ability to survive and operate while contested by near-peer adversaries and asymmetrical threats.
Exercise Operation Varsity tested the processes and procedures of our personnel while under increased levels of stress in a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear environment, explained leadership.
Through multiple simulated attacks, Ramstein’s Airmen were evaluated on their ability to sustain an attack, assess damage and impact to operations, re-establish necessary missions, and return to normal operational warfighting capabilities.
“Despite the several challenges and high expectations we place on Airmen, they continue to excel both inside and outside their areas of expertise.” said Brig. Gen. Mark August, 86th AW commander.

A simulated traffic accident victim sits up during Exercise Operation Varsity 19-02 on Ramstein Air Base, May 10. Team Ramstein was tested on its ability to respond to mass casualty incidents on base.
First responders assigned to the 86th Airlift Wing stabilize simulated traffic accident victims during Exercise Operation Varsity 19-02 on Ramstein Air Base, May 10. The mass casualty exercise tested response capabilities of the 86th Medical Group, 86th Security Forces Squadron, 86th Airlift Wing Chaplain Corps, and many other base agencies.

Chief Master Sgt. Ernesto Rendon, 86th Airlift Wing command chief, agreed with August, stating: “We’re excited to see what else this team can accomplish in the next exercise.”
The second iteration of Exercise Operation Varsity may have come to an end, but the third installment is well under way to be held in September.

An 86th Security Forces Squadron K-9 Handler and her K-9 stand ready during Exercise Operation Varsity 19-02 on Ramstein Air Base, May 7. The 86th SFS responded to several threats, including suspects running gates and planting suspicious packages.
U.S. Air Force service members simulate large-scale personnel deployment processing through the Individual Deployment Readiness Center during Exercise Operation Varsity on Ramstein Air Base. The IDRC ensures the Ramstein mission can still be supported even in the midst of potentially catastrophic events.
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