Agile Wolf 22: 435 CRG returns to Poland

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Josh Griffith, 435th Contingency Response Squadron airborne air traffic controller, secures a visual airfield marking along the landing zone during exercise Agile Wolf 22 at Koszalin, Poland, Sept. 13, 2022. Visual markers are placed along the flightline to show the aircraft where it is safe to touchdown on a landing zone. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jared Lovett)

The 435th Contingency Response Group conducted Exercise Agile Wolf 22 at Koszalin, Poland, Sep. 11-20.

Exercise Agile Wolf is a scalable airfield opening exercise that provides an increased number and variety of training opportunities, promotes innovation, and strengthens partnerships within the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing and around Ramstein Air Base.

“This exercise puts our Airmen in an agile combat employment environment where they have to utilize problem-solving techniques and puts their knowledge to the test in a controlled space,” said Lt. Col. Matt Stewart, Contingency Response Squadron commander. “This ultimately allows our team to hone their skills, push their limits, and increase readiness for real-world events when they arise.”

The exercise kicked off with Airmen building a fully functioning remote base in two hours to use as their base camp for the duration of the exercise. Capabilities such as this, allow the 435th CRG and its partner units within the 435th AGOW to rapidly deploy anywhere within the United States Air Forces in Europe area of responsibility in a short amount of time.

Airmen assigned to the 435th Contingency Response Group jump out of a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to the 37th Airlift Squadron during exercise Agile Wolf 22 at Koszalin, Poland, Sept. 14, 2022. Eleven Airmen from the 435th CRG conducted a airbourne insertion and airfield assessment for follow-on forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jared Lovett)

“Our team is constantly training to survive in a deployed environment,” said Senior Master Sgt. Andrew Gravett, 435th CRS senior enlisted leader. “They put that training to the test twice a year and set up a roof over their heads, a power grid, running water, communications systems, and everything else a base requires.”

Over 80 Airmen, across 39 career fields, from the 435th CRG participated in the exercise and ranged in services including aerial port, maintenance, security, medical, communications, and many more. The Airmen of the 435th CRG open airbases in support of joint partners and allies creating a logistics hub that can quickly reach the forward edge of any contingency to muster sustainable operations.

A C-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to the 37th Airlift Squadron prepares to land during exercise Agile Wolf 22 at Koszalin, Poland, Sept. 14, 2022. After landing, the aircraft taxied and performed an engine running offload, which included 435th CRG Airmen loading the aircraft with simulated heavy equipment while the aircraft engines were still operating. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jared Lovett)

“We constantly have to do these exercises to ensure that we’re ready to walk out of the door at a moment’s notice with the ability to assess, open, and operate an air base,” said Gravett.

Recently, the 435th CRG played a pivotal role supporting Ukraine in their fight against Russian aggression by operating in Poland.

“Our Contingency Response Group deployed to Southeast Poland to assess airfield options and open an air base to serve as a major logistical hub. The 435th CRG operated at Jasionka International Airport to receive and facilitate forward movement of aid for Ukrainian warfighters sent by the United States and its allies and partners,” said Stewart.

A C-130J Super Hercules aircraft assigned to the 37th Airlift Squadron drops cargo during exercise Agile Wolf 22 at Koszalin, Poland, Sept. 14, 2022. Airmen on the aircraft performed simulated heavy equipment drops to train for operational drops that include heavy equipment such as vehicles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jared Lovett)

The ability to successfully accomplish that monumental task depends upon tough unit training and a high state of readiness.

“Agile Wolf enables our team members to take lessons learned from real world operations and train new members to the highest levels in preparation for future contingencies,” said Stewart.

Exercise Agile Wolf has expanded significantly since its inception in 2019 and 435th CRG leadership is always looking to add new and more robust ways to enhance the skills and readiness of its Airmen at all levels.

U.S. Air Force Corrine Vann, 435th Contingency Response Squadron operations flight commander, makes a simulated confirmation call to the 435th Contingency Response Group commander during exercise Agile Wolf 22 at Koszalin, Poland, Sept. 15, 2022. The exercise provides the 435th Contingency Response Group to be ready and able to rapidly deploy anywhere within the United States Air Forces Europe area of responsibility in a short amount of time. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jared Lovett)
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Cameron Piontek, 435th Contingency Response Squadron airborne air traffic controller, drives a Polaris RZR vehicle during exercise Agile Wolf 22 at Koszalin, Poland, Sept. 13, 2022. Piontek searches for hazards along the landing zone then places visual markers to ensure the safety of the aircraft when it touches down. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jared Lovett)
U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. David Pearce, 435th Contingency Response Support Squadron commander, ties a trucker’s hitch knot during exercise Agile Wolf 22 at Koszalin, Poland, Sept. 13, 2022. Knots tying techniques are essential to build a secure shelter to protect Airmen from the elements upon landing from an airborne insertion. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jared Lovett)
U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Robert Schaffer, 435th Contingency Response Support Squadron independent duty medical technician, sets up a medical tent during exercise Agile Wolf 22 at Koszalin, Poland, Sept. 12, 2022. The 435th Contingency Response Group is USAFE’s only expeditionary open-the-base force, comprising 39 career fields which allow them to set up and run a fully functioning base within hours. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jared Lovett)