Okies support Northern Edge
By 507th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
/ Published May 17, 2019
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Reserve Citizen Airmen from the 507th Air Refueling Wing joined approximately 10,000 U.S. military personnel participating in exercise Northern Edge 2019, a joint training exercise hosted by U.S. Pacific Air Forces on and above the central Alaska ranges and the Gulf of Alaska May 13-24, 2019.
The Okies of the 507th ARW and 465th Air Refueling Squadron provided KC-135R Stratotanker aerial refueling support to joint Department of Defense aircraft during the large force exercise.
NE19 is one in a series of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command exercises in 2019 designed to prepare joint forces crises response skills in the Indo-Pacific. The exercise aims to sharpen participants’ tactical combat skills, improve command, control and communication relationships, and develop interoperable plans and programs across the joint force.
Personnel from U.S. military units stationed in the continental United States and from U.S. installations in the Indo-Pacific will participate with approximately 250 aircraft from all services, and five U.S. Navy ships. For the first time in 10 years, a Pacific Fleet aircraft carrier will be participating in the exercise.
Participants served as part of a joint task force, enhancing multi-service integration and exercising a wide range of joint capabilities.
Major units participating units included: Air Force Reserve Command, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, U.S. Pacific Air Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Marine Corps Forces Pacific, Air Combat Command, Air Mobility Command, Air Force Materiel Command, U.S. 3rd Fleet, Air National Guard, and U.S. Naval Reserve.
NE19 is the largest military training exercise scheduled in Alaska this year, with virtual and live participants from all over the United States exercising alongside live players.