The making of Exercise Cold Response 16

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. R.J. Biermann
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
BODØ MAIN AIR STATION, Norway --  Moving six F-16s, approximately 150 Airmen, and more than 105 tons of cargo from Aviano Air Base, Italy, to Bodø Main Air Station, Norway, is no easy task; but it's certainly a familiar one for the 31st Fighter Wing.

Since September 2015, the 31st Logistics Readiness Squadron deployments and distribution office has been planning for Aviano's involvement in Exercise Cold Response 16. The exercise, which includes NATO allies from 12 nations and features maritime, land, and air operations, showcases NATO's ability to defend against any threat in any environment.

"We came out on a three-to-four day site survey to get a feel for the base," said Senior Airman Steven Lacefield, 31st LRS logistics planner and Quad Cities, Ill., native. "During that time we had to gather information about flying here and how the host nation could support us. The Norwegians have been very helpful and friendly."

After the site survey, logistics planners networked with representatives from various support agencies, like the 31st Contracting Squadron.

"The vast majority of the work has to be done before our personnel arrive," said 1st Lt. Danny Monroe, 31st CONS plans and programs flight commander and Gilroy, Calif., native. "They need everything staged and ready when they get here ... and the logistical capability of our Air Force is just stunning. The Norwegians provided lodging, food and transportation for us, so we just had to fulfill a rental car and a forklift contract."

According to Monroe, in order to fulfill contracts, requirements need to be clearly defined months in advance.

"We do a lot of work in the beginning to see what we can find on the local economy, but it's been really easy," he said. "Bodø is a decent-sized city and the people speak perfect English. I've really enjoyed working with the Norwegians."

A week before the exercise's Feb. 29 kick-off, an early arrival team left Aviano for Bodø and met up with a team of Airmen from the States.

In addition to the early arrival of several Aviano Airmen were Air National Guardsmen from the 265th Combat Communications Squadron from South Portland, Maine. Combat Communications Airmen provide the communications backbone for participants during exercise deployments.

"We do a lot of prep-work before we even leave Maine," said Tech. Sgt. Brian Goulet, 265th Combat Communications Squadron engineer. "We do this so we know what we need to bring. Once we arrive, the first thing we do is set up a satellite terminal to get an initial feed. There are always challenges, but there were no major hurdles during this [exercise]."

As the Norwegian, Belgian and U.S. participants continue to build partnerships and strengthen relationships, the logistics planners have to coordinate how to get Aviano's F-16s, Airmen and cargo home.

"We start to work redeployment as soon as we arrive," said Lacefield. "We have to get cargo prepared and staged; coordinate host nation support, clear customs, establish transportation for passengers and cargo, plan for contingency operations if redeployment airlift changes ... it's a lot of coordination. That's why we're the first ones in and the last ones out. If something goes wrong, we have to find a solution."