OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- After three days of simulated contingency operations, and two days of individual unit-level training, the readiness exercise Beverly Herd 16-01 ended here May 13, 2016.

The 51st Fighter Wing, Republic of Korea air force and ROK army personnel participated in the quarterly exercise. In addition, Beverly Herd 16-01 featured an “Elephant Walk” that showcased the aircraft available here and the 179th Fighter Squadron “Bulldogs” from the Minnesota Air National Guard.

Contrary to past wing operational readiness exercises, Beverly Herd 16-01 focused on individual unit-level objectives to increase the overall combat effectiveness of Team Osan.

“This exercise has a different feel than others over the past year. These exercises are an assessment of our ability to ‘Fight Tonight;’ they are not training events,” said Col. Andrew Hansen, 51st Fighter Wing commander. “Your group leadership and the IG team have done an incredible job of focusing this exercise on key events that truly test our capabilities.”

The exercise featured simulated attacks from various sources. In addition to the barrage of simulated incoming missiles, mortars and ground attacks, individual units were tested by wing inspection team members whose sole job was to observe and inject certain scenarios specifically tailored to that unit.

“We will continue to conduct exercises each quarter, on average, and the majority will be like the exercises you are used to,” said Hansen. “BH 16-02 will be in August and coincides with Ulchi-Freedom Guardian.

“Between now and then, we will identify and mitigate shortfalls and constantly train to our wartime tasks in order to ensure our ‘Fight Tonight’ capability,” he added