Features

Operation Varsity: Game on!

February 21, 2019
by Senior Airman Devin M. Rumbaugh
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Juan Rubio, 86th Airlift Wing Command Post controller, dons his chemical gear during an 86th Wing Staff Agencies pre-exercise training Feb. 13 at Ramstein Air Base. Members practiced donning and doffing their gear as part of the pre-exercise training. Photo by Airman 1st Class Milton Hamilton

Exercise Operation Varsity 19-01 is set to begin on Ramstein Air Base, Germany Feb. 25, 2019, and is expected to cause delays.

A member of the 86th Airlift Wing Staff Agencies ties off a bandage during an 86th WSA pre-exercise training, Feb. 13 at Ramstein Air Base. Members attended a Self-Aid and Buddy Care refresher training as part of the pre-exercise training.Photos by Airman 1st Class Milton Hamilton

While the population at large may experience curtailed services and delays, exercises like this reinforce the 86th Airlift Wing commander’s priority of readiness.

“Base exercises are not convenient, but they are necessary to ensure that we as a wing are not only able to provide allied support, but also deter adversaries,” said Brig. Gen. Mark A. August, 86th Airlift Wing commander. “To do this, we are asking personnel to be patient as we practice like it’s a real-world scenario.”

Operation Varsity 19-01 is the first in a series of exercises planned for 2019. Exercises such as these enhance base response to a variety of attacks and situations including chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives (CBRNE) directed toward the base.

“The end goal for the exercise is to really ensure our Airmen are equipped with the ability to survive and operate in a contested CRBNE environment against a near peer adversary,” said Senior Master Sgt. Carlos Cervantes, 86th Wing Staff Agencies wing inspection team lead.

“I think that it’s really important to understand that the exercise aligns with the first line of effort in the National Defense Strategy, along with the Air Force’s priorities,” said Cervantes.

Team Ramstein can expect delays at base operations during the week of Feb. 25 – March 1.

The following is a list of services that will have modified operations:

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Roger Davis, 86th Airlift Wing Safety flight safety noncommissioned officer, speaks into a radio during an 86th Wing Staff Agencies pre-exercise training, Feb. 13 at Ramstein Air Base. During the pre-exercise training, members performed a simulated post-attack reconnaissance sweep.

Military Personnel Flight (MPF)

Feb. 25: Normal operations

Feb. 26: Degraded services; No out-processing appointments 0800-1200; Customer Service (ID Card/Passports) minimum manned

Feb. 27: Degraded services; No out-processing appointments 0800-1200; Customer Service (ID Card/Passports) minimum manned

Feb. 28: Normal operations

March 1: Degraded services

Medical Services: Will conduct all previously scheduled appointments. The following walk-in services will be restricted to acute/urgent needs only. Individuals seeking medical services should expect longer wait times:

Family Health

Pediatrics

Flight Medicine – Active Duty (PRP & Flyers) patient care needs will be addressed without delay.

Optometry

Dental

Pharmacy

Radiology

Lab

Immunizations

Public & Deployment Health Services: Restricted to real world active duty readiness requirements.

Child Development Centers/School-Age Care programs: Programs will be open 1 hour earlier and 1 hour later from 25 Feb.-1 March if members signed up ahead of the deadline.

Finance Customer Service: Services located in Building 2106. Customers should expect extended wait times.

Vehicle Registration: Potential for service delays. All original appointments will occur as scheduled.

Postal Operations: Customers may experience longer wait times.

PPPO and Passenger Travel: No walk-in customers, will service customer phone calls and organizational box emails on a priority basis.

Fitness Assessment Cell Testing

Feb. 25: Normal operations

Feb. 26: Normal operations

Feb. 27: No FAC Testing 0800-1700

Feb. 28: Normal operations

March 1: No FAC Testing 0800-1200

Fitness Centers (Northside, Southside, Vogelweh)

Feb. 25: Normal operations

Feb. 26: Normal operations

Feb. 27: Degraded services

Feb. 28: Normal operations

March 1: Degraded services

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