U.S. Airmen from the 100th Civil Engineer Squadron have been actively participating in Skyway Chariot, a combat readiness inspection designed to evaluate the operational capabilities of the 100th Air Refuelling Wing, according to a statement from the U.S. Air Force.
The exercise, held at RAF Feltwell in Norfolk aimed to test the 100th Air Refuelling Wing’s ability to generate, employ, sustain, and project combat power in a highly contested environment.
Skyway Chariot included scenarios designed to replicate real-world challenges, including the detonation of a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED), testing the response and coordination of emergency crews.
One of the key elements of the exercise involved building temporary shelters. U.S. Airmen worked collaboratively to set up tents during the inspection, showcasing their capability to establish operational bases under simulated combat conditions. The exercise is part of the U.S. Air Force’s broader strategy to maintain readiness for rapid deployment and sustainment in unpredictable environments.
According to the U.S. Air Force, “Skyway Chariot is a U.S. Air Force combat readiness inspection designed to evaluate the 100th Air Refueling Wing’s ability to operate effectively under challenging conditions, potentially in a contested environment.”
The 100th Air Refueling Wing, stationed at RAF Mildenhall, regularly conducts exercises to ensure its preparedness for various mission scenarios, particularly in Europe and other forward operating areas. The recent iteration of Skyway Chariot focused on maintaining high readiness levels amid evolving global threats.
Exercises like Skyway Chariot are crucial in validating the wing’s capability to respond rapidly to emerging challenges, particularly in scenarios where traditional infrastructure may be compromised or unavailable. The integration of engineering, logistics, and emergency response elements ensures that the wing can continue operations even in the face of significant adversities.
