Twelve KC-135 Stratotankers assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing conducted an elephant walk on the flightline and subsequent mass launch under heavy rain during Exercise Wolff Pack at RAF Mildenhall, England, Sep. 29, 2020.
Twelve KC-135 Stratotankers assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing conducted an elephant walk on the flightline and subsequent mass launch under heavy rain during Exercise Wolff Pack at RAF Mildenhall, England, Sep. 29, 2020.
The exercise is part of the 100th ARW’s continuous effort to improve its defense capabilities to ensure an advantage in resiliency, protect its assets and personnel, and support its allies and partnerships.
The exercise enabled US Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) to employ Agile Combat Employment (ACE) said Lt. Col. Ryan Ferdinandsen, 351st Air Refueling Squadron commander in the article 100th ARW embodies agile combat employment during exercise by Staff Sgt. Mackenzie Mendez, 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs.
“Exercise Wolff Pack has been an important exercise for 100th ARW operations as we shape and develop our ACE construct here at RAF Mildenhall.
The intent of the ACE concept is to help us find new ways to generate resilient airpower in a contested environment.”
Exercises that utilize ACE concepts ensure forces are ready to protect and defend partners, allies and U.S. interests and assets at a moment’s notice.
The 100th ARW is continuously looking for ways to improve overall defense capabilities to ensure resiliency and protection.
“As a force, we must find new ways to become more agile and resilient in how we employ our aircraft,” continued Ferdinandsen.
Exercise Wolff Pack has given the 100th ARW the opportunity to challenge aircrews, operators and maintainers to operate outside of home station while maintaining operational proficiency, said Ferdinandsen.
“ACE has allowed us to become more agile in our execution, more strategic in our deterrence and more resilient in our capabilities,” concluded Ferdinandsen. “All of which allows us to do what we do best: provide crucial aerial refueling to our U.S. and NATO aircraft.”
The 100th ARW, with the support of partner nations and NATO allies, participated in the exercise spanning three days with approximately 300 personnel across 15 squadrons. Overall, 12 KC-135s were involved in Wolff Pack, which was a resounding success.
Photo credit: Karen Abeyasekere and Tech. Sgt. Emerson Nuñez / U.S. Air Force
