117th Participates in Navajo Exercise

By Staff Sgt. Jeremy R. Farson, 117th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs / Published September 15, 2013

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Airmen from the 117th Air Refueling Wing participate in chemical warfare training during the Navajo exercise here on Thursday. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. David Maxwell/Released)

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Airmen from the 117th Air Refueling Wing build a bunker during the Navajo exercise here on Thursday. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. David Maxwell/Released)

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Over 400 members of the 117th Air Refueling Wing participated in a Navajo exercise here from September 10-13.

The goal of the exercise was to get airmen away from computer based training (CBT's) and teach them using hands-on instruction.

"This also gives airmen time to accomplish ancillary training and frees them up to do their jobs on drill weekends," said Maj. Lisa Weaver, 117 ARW Executive Officer.

Some of the training made available to airmen during this time was self-aid buddy care and chemical warfare classes. Table top leader exercises were also conducted for contingency operations. The aircrews were able to continue their flight training during the exercise.

The 117th is planning to conduct a Navajo exercise each year. "We are hoping to do Navajo, in some form, around this time in 2014 and have an off-base fly away exercise in 2015," said Weaver.