Personnel Deployment Function test readiness

21st Logistics Readiness Squadron processing line

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. – Senior Airman David Smith presents his ID and checks through the 21st Logistics Readiness Squadron processing line during a simulated deployment. Part of the quarterly Condor Crest exercise, the simulated deployment tested and evaluated base readiness and response to a multitude of real-world situations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Dennis Howk)

Published Nov. 26, 2014
By Michael Golembesky
21st Space Wing Public Affairs staff writer

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Readiness and meeting the call of a rapid deployment is something Peterson Airmen are always prepared to do, and a specialized exercise as part of Condor Crest tested that ability.

A Personnel Deployment Function is a rapid response to a request for additional personnel and equipment to any location in the world. Readiness is critical and the cooperation and teamwork of many different agencies is required to get the mission done.

"This event tested our ability to respond to a mass deployment request of 40 personnel and equipment within 72 hours to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar," said Larry Wilkerson, 21st Logistics Readiness Squadron installation deployment officer. "The units tasked with releasing personnel ranged from the 21st Logistics Readiness Squadron, medical group to force support."

Gear, check. Financing audit, check. Medical screening, check. These were just a few of the stations that rapidly deploying Airmen had to pass through during their out-processing to ensure they were prepared. The Personnel Deployment Function exercise tested Team Pete's ability to make it all come together in an organized and orderly fashion, giving experience to the Airmen and agencies that participated.

"Taking part in this exercise reinforces their (Peterson personnel) inherent duty to respond to short notice contingencies. It is a necessity for Airmen to keep their training and personal affairs current in order to respond efficiently to a short notice deployment, he said. "The Airmen learned that team work, communication and most importantly, flexibility are key to making a PDF successful."