Photos: BM 14-02 Operations ramp up

Capt. C.J. Anthony, 25th Fighter Squadron A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot, waits for the signal to begin taxiing during Beverly Midnight 14-02 at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Feb. 10, 2014. Exercises like BM 14-02 test Airmen on their ability to operate and accomplish the mission during war-time contingency operations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Siuta B. Ika)

Photos: BM 14-02 Operations ramp up

An A-10 Thunderbolt II sits in a hangar prior to launching for the first sortie of Beverly Midnight 14-02 at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Feb. 10, 2014. Exercises like BM 14-02 test Airmen on their ability to operate and accomplish the mission during war-time contingency operations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Siuta B. Ika)

Photos: BM 14-02 Operations ramp up

An A-10 Thunderbolt II piloted by Capt. C.J. Anthony, 25th Fighter Squadron A-10 pilot, waits for all of the pre-flight inspections to be completed during Beverly Midnight 14-02 at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Feb. 10, 2014. Anthony was one of four A-10 pilots that flew as part of the first sortie of BM 14-02. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Siuta B. Ika)

Airmen 'train to win' during BM 14-02

Published Feb. 10, 2014
By Airman 1st Class Ashley J. Thum
51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Operational Readiness Exercise Beverly Midnight 14-02 kicked off Feb. 9, as part of the base's continued effort to perfect its warfighting capabilities.

Priorities for this ORE include practicing installation command and control, recovery and defense - all while maintaining the flexibility to adjust to new simulated threats that may occur.

Col. Brook Leonard, 51st Fighter Wing commander, said although it's early in the week, he is already pleased with the base's effort.

"Exercises are where we find our edge and make sure we know what we can and can't do, and make it better," Leonard said. "By looking around, I know you guys are getting after it in spades."

Lt. Col. Oliver Rick, 51st FW Inspector General director of inspections, said he is also optimistic about the wing's ability to deal with surprises along the way.

"In the realm of possibilities when it comes to what a contingency operation might look like, it's not necessarily going to fall Monday morning at 8 a.m., when it's convenient for us," Rick said. "I will consider my job here complete when everybody says, 'You know what, I'm just going to have to be ready to exercise all the time, and for a recall anytime - whether it's real-world or for an exercise.'"

Rick said changes to both the Air Force inspection system and the branch's size and shape as a whole make adaptability imperative for success.

"As we try to break down some traditional barriers, we need to start thinking more about making good risk management and leadership decisions to posture ourselves to be more flexible so we can react to a very specific threat appropriately at the time," Rick said.

Leonard said the base will continue to evaluate its combat plans, making any needed changes, and voiced his appreciation for the continued cooperation of all members of Team Osan.

The colonel emphasized that the key word in ORE is "readiness."

"Remember, train like you fight," Leonard said. "We're going to fight to win, so that means we need to train to win."