Exercise Operation Varsity: 2nd Down

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jimmie D. Pike
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  Members of the 86th Airlift Wing and surrounding Kaiserslautern Military Community concluded the second installment of Exercise Operation Varsity, an exercise to enhance full spectrum readiness, May 10, 2019, on Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

During the exercise, personnel assigned to the 86th AW were tested on their ability to survive and operate while contested by near-peer adversaries and asymmetrical threats.

Exercise Operation Varsity tested the processes and procedures of our personnel while under increased levels of stress in a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear environment, explained leadership.

Through multiple simulated attacks, Ramstein’s Airmen were evaluated on their ability to sustain an attack, assess damage and impact to operations, re-establish necessary missions, and return to normal operational warfighting capabilities.

“Despite the several challenges and high expectations we place on Airmen, they continue to excel both inside and outside their areas of expertise.” said Brig. Gen. Mark August, 86th AW commander.

Chief Master Sgt. Ernesto Rendon, 86th Airlift Wing command chief, agreed with August, stating, “We’re excited to see what else this team can accomplish in the next exercise.”

The second iteration of Exercise Operation Varsity may have come to an end, but the third installment is well under way to be held in September.