Tinker kicks off ‘Year of Readiness’ with base-wide exercise
In line with the 72nd Air Base Wing's top priority of "Execute Team Tinker Missions," the 72nd ABW recently finished a three-week exercise, aimed at enhancing readiness and preparing Airmen for the challenges of the future.
The exercise, titled War Wagon 25-01, was held January 13-31, 2025, and was designed to test the wing's ability to respond to various scenarios, including wartime operations.
In preparation for Great Power Competition, readiness exercises provide a critical snapshot or report card to commanders on the overall state of the force and help identify any shortfalls in training and resource allocation to maximize combat readiness,” said Lt. Col. Aaron Bahr, 72nd Air Base Wing Inspector General.
The exercise was a direct continuation of the efforts initiated during the "Year of Competition" in 2024, which transitioned into the "Year of Readiness" in 2025. As part of this focus, the wing is prioritizing exercises like War Wagon to ensure Airmen are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to execute their missions.
"We are expected to be lethal to uphold the standards of the strongest Air Force on earth,” said Col. Abby Ruscetta, Tinker installation and 72nd ABW commander. “War Wagon is a critical component of upholding that standard and continuing to improve our readiness.”
The exercise was divided into two phases, 'Generate/Defend the Base', and 'Employ/Sustain'. During the first phase personnel and equipment are tasked and processed for deployment while defensive operations are conducted across the installation to protect personnel, equipment, and critical infrastructure against various threats.
“Tinker AFB First Responders were challenged with emergency scenarios that required coordination with Emergency Operation Centers and Crisis Action Team support,” said Bahr. “Exercise War Wagon 25-01, for the first time in more than 20 years, tested units' ability to surge into 24-hour operations, evaluating their Continuity of Operations Plans and ability to execute complex emergency scenarios over an extended period.”
During the second phase, 72nd ABW personnel and equipment enter the “Employ/Sustain” phase of operations and depart to their deployed location at the Glenwood Training Annex.
The exercise also involved participation from other agencies, including C Company of the Army National Guard which provided a UH-60 Black Hawk, and local emergency responders and the Oklahoma Wing of the Civil Air Patrol who provided support to “Defend the Base” scenarios.
"This year’s first War Wagon exercise was fantastic to see, and it showcased our unparalleled expertise and coordination of Team Tinker," said Ruscetta. "As we continue to push the boundaries of excellence, exercises like War Wagon are the backbone in our ongoing pursuit of operational readiness.”
As the 72nd ABW continues to prioritize readiness and prepare for the challenges of the future, exercises like War Wagon will play a critical role in ensuring that Airmen are ready.
