Page 5 - Luke AFB Thunderbolt – December 2024

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LEFT: A U.S. Army Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk lands at a designated spot, Nov. 14, 2024, at Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary Field, Arizona. The Black Hawk is ca- pable of transporting troops and equip- ment to and from challenging locations, with a capacity to carry up to 11 fully equipped service members or 20 lightly equipped passengers. Its speed and agility make it ideal for inserting and ex- tracting troops in hostile environments.
these exercises requires careful coordination, especially regarding funding and resources, which can vary based on the involvement of different squadrons or wings.
To maintain and build on this momentum, continued investment in such exercises is essential. Exercises like Desert Hammer are a powerful reminder that readiness isn’t just about performing a specific job; it’s about being prepared for anything that could come our way.
“I was very happy to attend, and I believe that all Airmen should have the opportunity to participate in deployed scenarios,” said Cas- tillo. “We should push for more experiences like this to continue developing essential skills that keep us all battle-ready.”
By prioritizing deployment exercises, we strengthen our ability to deploy quickly and effectively, ensuring that all Airmen stationed here remain capable of responding to any chal- lenge, anywhere. As the Air Force modernizes in the face of the great power competition, Luke AFB will continue to find ways to evolve with its mission, training the world’s greatest fighter pilots and combat-ready Airmen.
HAMMER
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under combat conditions. They were tested by the 56th Medical Group personnel in simu- lated casualty scenarios to ensure they could apply TCCC skills under stress.
The exercise proved integral for building confidence among Airmen, particularly those who had never been exposed to deployment
U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Tyler Buer, Ma- rine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 163, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Air- craft Wing, MV-22 Tiltrotor Crew Chief, rides aboard an MV-22 Osprey, Nov. 13, 2024, at Luke Air Force, Arizona. The til- trotor aircraft is capable of vertical take- off and landing, allowing it to transport up to 24 combat-equipped service mem- bers. With the speed and range of a tur- boprop airplane and the maneuverability of a helicopter, it is ideally suited for rapid troop deployments, amphibious assaults, and combat support missions.
U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Belinda Guachun-Chichay
scenarios. Many Airmen took on tasks outside their usual roles, learning cross-functional skills that would make them more adaptable and resourceful during real-world deploy- ments.
One of these Airmen, Senior Airman Nick Castillo, a 56th Civil Engineer Squadron power pro specialist, said that training along- side his peers proved to be a crucial learning experience.
“HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air condi- tioning) was crucial for the setting we were in because the nights would have been freezing without it,” said Castillo. “I had minimal ex- perience with HVAC, but with help from my CE peers, we set up heating in all the tents.”
Upon departure from the exercise location, facilities and equipment were transferred to Airmen from the 944th FW and used by the Air Force Reserve wing as they continued Desert Hammer through their drill weekend.
By providing opportunities for Airmen to work outside their primary job functions, Desert Hammer strengthened the overall readiness of those involved. It’s clear that training like this is crucial for ensuring that Airmen are not only prepared for deployment but able to thrive in challenging, unpredictable environments.
While Desert Hammer occurs annually, there are other exercises throughout the year, like Wild Coyote and Desert Anvil. Organizing
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