JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, New Jersey -- The 108th Wing recently completed a combat readiness exercise (CRE) from May 14, 2025 - May 18, 2025 at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Alpena, Michigan.
This exercise tested the wing's ability to generate, employ and sustain wartime, contingency, and force sustainment missions in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility and their ability to operate and survive against enemy threats.
“During the wing’s first fly-away CRE in 14 years, our Airmen demonstrated incredible adaptability and teamwork throughout this exercise,” said U.S. Air Force Col. David Shattls, commander of the 108th Wing. “From refining combat readiness to responding under pressure, this training ensures we remain fully prepared for any mission, anywhere in the world.”
"This combat readiness exercise was absolutely critical," said U.S. Air Force Col. Joseph Leonard, deputy commander of the 108th Wing. "It's not just about proving we can respond to any threat, but about refining our processes, sharpening our skills, and ensuring our Airmen are ready to execute in the most challenging environments.”
The exercise evaluated the Medical Group, Mission Support Group, and Wing Staff Agencies as they prepare for their Air Force Force Generation deployment cycle. The CRE incorporated realistic contested, degraded, and operationally limited scenarios to simulate threats expected during the Great Power Competition. The GPC is when countries like the U.S. and China compete to be the most powerful in military strength, technology and world influence, without going to war.
"This exercise isn't just a test; it's a trial proving our readiness for any contingency,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jason Neumann, inspector general for the 108th Wing. “It demands we sharpen our skills, trust in our training, and prove our unwavering commitment to mission success, no matter the challenge or location.”
The 108th Wing, a unit of the New Jersey Air National Guard at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, provides aerial refueling support to U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps aircraft, as well as those of allied nations, utilizing KC-46 Pegasus aircraft. The Wing also contains Intelligence and Cyber Operations Squadrons, contributing to critical combat and support functions for New Jersey and the nation.