Shaw conducts 2-day simulated combat exercise

The 20th Fighter Wing began a base-wide operational readiness exercise Wednesday as part an annual training and inspection of its combat readiness.

The airmen will practice at the Sumter air base on transitioning from peacetime readiness to a simulated combat scenario.

“The wing will demonstrate its ability to employ forces under simulated combat conditions, sustain support during contingency operations and meet Air Force standards for mission continuity in conventional and chemical environments,” the wing said in a news release.

The 20th Fighter Wing inspector general’s office has generated the scenario and is evaluating the wing throughout the exercise, the release said.

“This operational readiness exercise is a vital evaluation of the 20th Fighter Wing’s readiness to employ combat-ready air power and airmen to meet any challenge, anytime, anywhere,” said Col Stephen Jost, the 20th Fighter Wing’s commander.

The two-day exercise will not interfere with other operations at the base, including the health care services normally available to on-base personnel. It also will not restrict access to the commissary, base exchange, bowling alley, Carolina Skies Club or golf course.

This story was originally published May 27, 2015 at 11:28 AM with the headline "Shaw conducts 2-day simulated combat exercise."