Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst completes KC-46A Pegasus tanker AFFORGEN certification.

Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JB MDL) has successfully completed the certification of the KC-46A Pegasus aircraft for Air Force Force Generation (AFFORGEN). This achievement came during the Neptune Series exercise, which took place at Travis Air Force Base from October 21 to November 2, with approximately 120 service members and five KC-46A tankers from JB MDL participating.

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A KC-46A Pegasus tanker assigned to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., practices refueling operations on another KC-46A en route to Travis Air Force Base, Calif., Oct. 21, 2023. This joint air interoperability exercise is the first-ever certification event for the KC-46 tankers assigned to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. (Picture source: U.S. Air Force/Airman 1st Class Simonne Barker)

The exercise was a significant milestone, as it marked the first certification event for the KC-46A at JB MDL. Over the two-week period, Airmen from the 305th Air Mobility Wing worked diligently to certify the KC-46 Mission Generation Force Element in preparation for the upcoming AFFORGEN deployment cycle. The primary focus during the exercise was on assessing the ability to effectively carry out Air Mobility Command competencies, enhance joint air interoperability, and strengthen global warfighting capabilities.

1st Lt. Britton Beasley, the KC-46 Aircraft Maintenance officer in charge during the exercise, expressed satisfaction with the results, stating, "Our team did not disappoint. [The Neptune Series] accomplished the first AFFORGEN model proof of concept in the KC-46 enterprise and set the framework for future certification events on this airframe. We showed that we’re capable of executing an entirely organic large-force movement to a deployed location. We proved that we can generate, recover, and perform up to intermediate-level maintenance on deployed aircraft for the 2nd ARS to execute their certification in the air."

The joint air interoperability exercise brought together various JB MDL squadrons, including the 605th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 305th Mission Support Group, 305th Operations Support Squadron, 2nd Air Refueling Squadron, and 87th Logistics Readiness Squadron. These squadrons collectively honed their skills in generating, flying, and delivering airpower superiority. Airmen practiced agile combat employment concepts in simulated deployed scenarios, testing their ability to respond proactively and reactively with limited personnel and equipment.

The exercise underscored the importance of flexibility, adaptability, and endurance for mission success. JB MDL Airmen leveraged cross-functional training to reduce the number of participants while maintaining high-end readiness, essential for current and future training needs.

Lt. Col. Joshua Crockett, the commander of the 2nd Air Refueling Squadron and MGFE commander, affirmed the readiness of JB MDL Airmen and their aircraft, noting their ability to project global airpower rapidly. He praised their precision and consistency over an extended duration, emphasizing their crucial role in supporting the joint force mission.

The exercise incorporated various aspects of real-life deployment scenarios to create a realistic training environment, enhancing crew preparation for future missions. Additionally, it contributed to strengthening warfighter capabilities and effectively integrated Air Mobility Command priorities.