The 62nd and 446th Airlift Wings and 627th Air Base Group conducted a mobility exercise Feb. 10 - 17 to improve the ability to survive and operate, solidify mobility processes and strengthen the ability to complete missions under adversity in preparation for an Operational Readiness Inspection in October.

"The main goal of this week's exercise is to provide an overall training opportunity," said Capt. Brian Dodson, 62nd AW deputy chief of exercises and evaluations. "The objective was for people to walk away having learned something they can apply during the ORI."

This exercise marked the first opportunity for the 62nd and 446th AWs and 627th ABG to train together in preparation for the 2012 ORI.

"Training together was an important aspect of the big picture," said Dodson. "This opportunity was extremely valuable and beneficial."

The team spent the week operating in a simulated deployed environment with a pause for training days in between. During the training, Airmen received various informative briefings from experts on topics such as self-aid and buddy care, chemical decontamination and flightline driving.

"I've personally noticed many improvements and beneficial teachings during this exercise," said Staff Sgt. Ken Thomas, 62nd Maintenance Squadron aerospace ground equipment technician. "People seemed more on track and ready to apply their previous experience. The communication has definitely improved."

According to Dodson, the team has areas to focus on for the coming exercises, but is satisfied with performance during this week's exercise.

"I feel that the goals and objectives set out for this week have been achieved," said Dodson. "We've noticed improvement each day as people were learning. Now, we have a good knowledge base to work from and we can continue to move forward."

Now that the MOBEX has successfully been completed, Team McChord will continue to maintain the same mission ready procedures to prepare for the fly-away exercises in May and September.

Photo: Airmen assigned to the 62nd and 446th Airlift Wings and 627th Air Base Group take equipment to work areas during a mobility exercise Feb. 17, 2012, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. The exercise was conducted to improve the ability to survive and operate, solidify mobility processes and strengthen the ability to complete missions under adversity in preparation for the Operational Readiness Inspection in October. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Leah Young)