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United States Air Force

Team McConnell tests their lethality during Exercise Lethal Stack

Published May 9, 2025
By Senior Airman Felicia Przydzial, Senior Airman Amelio Brown, Airman 1st Class Patrick O'Neill, and Airman 1st Class Paula Arce
22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --

Team McConnell Airmen participate in Exercise Lethal Stack May 5-9, 2025, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. During the exercise, Airmen from the 22nd and 931st Air Refueling Wing trained alongside each other to survive and operate in a contested, degraded and operationally limited environment while testing their interoperability throughout the deployment process.

Airman 1st Class Garrett Smith, 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, stands in front of a simulated burning aircraft during Exercise Lethal Stack at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, May 6, 2025. Lethal Stack puts McConnell’s survivability, connectivity and agility to the test, enhancing its ability to rapidly deploy and continue operating in degraded environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Patrick O’Neill) — Team McConnell tests their lethality in Exercise Lethal Stack

Airman 1st Class Garrett Smith, 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, stands in front of a simulated burning aircraft during Exercise Lethal Stack at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, May 6, 2025. Lethal Stack puts McConnell’s survivability, connectivity and agility to the test, enhancing its ability to rapidly deploy and continue operating in degraded environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Patrick O’Neill)

The sun rises over Base X, the simulated deployed base for Exercise Lethal Stack at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, May 8, 2025. Lethal Stack was a training exercise spanning five days, simulating deployment in the Indo-pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Amelio Brown) — Team McConnell tests their lethality in Exercise Lethal Stack

The sun rises over Base X, the simulated deployed base for Exercise Lethal Stack at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, May 8, 2025. Lethal Stack was a training exercise spanning five days, simulating deployment in the Indo-pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Amelio Brown)

From left, Staff Sgt. Austen Windle and Airman 1st Class Hesston Garver, 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron pavements and construction equipment technicians, guide concrete barrier on the back of a truck in coordination with Lethal Stack at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, May 5, 2025. These Airmen are responsible for maintaining and constructing airfields, roads, and other infrastructure on bases and in deployed locations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Felicia Przydzial) — Team McConnell tests their lethality in Exercise Lethal Stack

From left, Staff Sgt. Austen Windle and Airman 1st Class Hesston Garver, 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron pavements and construction equipment technicians, guide concrete barrier on the back of a truck in coordination with Lethal Stack at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, May 5, 2025. These Airmen are responsible for maintaining and constructing airfields, roads, and other infrastructure on bases and in deployed locations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Felicia Przydzial)

Team McConnell Airmen participate in Exercise Lethal Stack at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, May 6, 2025. Lethal Stack is a multi-day exercise that simulates real-world conflicts to evaluate McConnell’s ability to provide support. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Paula Arce) — Team McConnell tests their lethality in Exercise Lethal Stack

Team McConnell Airmen participate in Exercise Lethal Stack at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, May 6, 2025. Lethal Stack is a multi-day exercise that simulates real-world conflicts to evaluate McConnell’s ability to provide support. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Paula Arce)

Team McConnell Airmen participate in Exercise Lethal Stack at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, May 6, 2025. Lethal Stack trains McConnell Airmen to operate in Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) and communication-degraded conditions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Paula Arce) — Team McConnell tests their lethality in Exercise Lethal Stack

Team McConnell Airmen participate in Exercise Lethal Stack at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, May 6, 2025. Lethal Stack trains McConnell Airmen to operate in Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) and communication-degraded conditions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Paula Arce)

Tech. Sgt. Jonathan Wurz, 931st Maintenance Squadron aerospace maintenance technician, uses a two-way radio during Exercise Lethal Stack at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, May 6, 2025. Lethal Stack simulates a high-threat environment where McConnell Airmen prove they can operate and sustain operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Paula Arce) — Team McConnell tests their lethality in Exercise Lethal Stack

Tech. Sgt. Jonathan Wurz, 931st Maintenance Squadron aerospace maintenance technician, uses a two-way radio during Exercise Lethal Stack at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, May 6, 2025. Lethal Stack simulates a high-threat environment where McConnell Airmen prove they can operate and sustain operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Paula Arce)

Staff Sgt. Scott Cragle Jr., 22nd Air Refueling Wing contracting specialist, works on his laptop in mission-oriented protective posture gear during Exercise Lethal Stack at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, May 7, 2025. Lethal Stack was designed to train Airmen to work despite chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) hazards and degraded communications. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Amelio Brown) — Team McConnell tests their lethality in Exercise Lethal Stack

Staff Sgt. Scott Cragle Jr., 22nd Air Refueling Wing contracting specialist, works on his laptop in mission-oriented protective posture gear during Exercise Lethal Stack at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, May 7, 2025. Lethal Stack was designed to train Airmen to work despite chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) hazards and degraded communications. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Amelio Brown)

Capt. Paxton Petitpas, 349th Air Refueling Squadron chief of tactics, exits a KC-46A Pegasus during Exercise Lethal Stack at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, May 7, 2025. Lethal Stack aircraft practiced rapidly pivoting into theater, providing critical air refueling capabilities for allies and partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Patrick O’Neill) — Team McConnell tests their lethality in Exercise Lethal Stack

Capt. Paxton Petitpas, 349th Air Refueling Squadron chief of tactics, exits a KC-46A Pegasus during Exercise Lethal Stack at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, May 7, 2025. Lethal Stack aircraft practiced rapidly pivoting into theater, providing critical air refueling capabilities for allies and partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Patrick O’Neill)

A firetruck blasts water toward a flame-engulfed aircraft during Exercise Lethal Stack at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, May 6, 2025. Lethal Stack aircraft practiced rapidly pivoting into theater, providing critical air refueling capabilities for allies and partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Patrick O’Neill) — Team McConnell tests their lethality in Exercise Lethal Stack

A firetruck blasts water toward a flame-engulfed aircraft during Exercise Lethal Stack at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, May 6, 2025. Lethal Stack aircraft practiced rapidly pivoting into theater, providing critical air refueling capabilities for allies and partners. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Patrick O’Neill)

Staff Sgt. Logan Bruno, 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, steps out of a fire truck during Exercise Lethal Stack at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, May 6, 2025. McConnell Airmen are mission ready, capable and resilient against any known or emerging threat. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Patrick O’Neill) — Team McConnell tests their lethality in Exercise Lethal Stack

Staff Sgt. Logan Bruno, 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, steps out of a fire truck during Exercise Lethal Stack at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, May 6, 2025. McConnell Airmen are mission ready, capable and resilient against any known or emerging threat. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Patrick O’Neill)

Team McConnell Airmen participate in Exercise Lethal Stack at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, May 7, 2025. Spaghetti, green beans, and pears were served at Lethal Stack’s meal tent. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Paula Arce) — Team McConnell tests their lethality in Exercise Lethal Stack

Team McConnell Airmen participate in Exercise Lethal Stack at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, May 7, 2025. Spaghetti, green beans, and pears were served at Lethal Stack’s meal tent. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Paula Arce)

Team McConnell Airmen provide documentation and gear weight to in-process the passenger terminal during Exercise Lethal Stack at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, May 5, 2025. Lethal Stack is a multi-day exercise that puts emphasis on speed and coordination while under pressure. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Paula Arce) — Team McConnell tests their lethality in Exercise Lethal Stack

Team McConnell Airmen provide documentation and gear weight to in-process the passenger terminal during Exercise Lethal Stack at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, May 5, 2025. Lethal Stack is a multi-day exercise that puts emphasis on speed and coordination while under pressure. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Paula Arce)

A cover is cut off a boot during Exercise Lethal Stack at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, May 7, 2025. Boot covers are worn as part of level four mission-oriented protective posture gear, which protects against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Patrick O’Neill) — Team McConnell tests their lethality in Exercise Lethal Stack

A cover is cut off a boot during Exercise Lethal Stack at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, May 7, 2025. Boot covers are worn as part of level four mission-oriented protective posture gear, which protects against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Patrick O’Neill)

Senior Master Sgt. Joseph Weidenbach, 22nd Maintenance Squadron first sergeant, performs Tactical Combat Casualty Care on a simulated downed airman during exercise Lethal Stack at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, May 6, 2025. The weeklong exercise tested units’ ability to generate aircraft and operate within a contested environment to increase lethality, survivability and agility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Felicia Przydzial) — Team McConnell tests their lethality in Exercise Lethal Stack

Senior Master Sgt. Joseph Weidenbach, 22nd Maintenance Squadron first sergeant, performs Tactical Combat Casualty Care on a simulated downed airman during exercise Lethal Stack at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, May 6, 2025. The weeklong exercise tested units’ ability to generate aircraft and operate within a contested environment to increase lethality, survivability and agility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Felicia Przydzial)

Airmen from the 931st and 22nd Air Refueling Wings arrest a simulated aggressive airman during exercise Lethal Stack at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, May 6, 2025. Airmen from the 22nd Air Refueling Wing and the 931st ARW took part in the weeklong exercise testing their ability to operate in a contested environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Felicia Przydzial) — Team McConnell tests their lethality in Exercise Lethal Stack

Airmen from the 931st and 22nd Air Refueling Wings arrest a simulated aggressive airman during exercise Lethal Stack at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, May 6, 2025. Airmen from the 22nd Air Refueling Wing and the 931st ARW took part in the weeklong exercise testing their ability to operate in a contested environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Felicia Przydzial)

A Team McConnell Airman participates in Exercise Lethal Stack at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, May 7, 2025. McConnell Airmen practiced a spectrum of operational activities such as generating aircraft and responding to base threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Paula Arce) — Team McConnell tests their lethality in Exercise Lethal Stack

A Team McConnell Airman participates in Exercise Lethal Stack at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, May 7, 2025. McConnell Airmen practiced a spectrum of operational activities such as generating aircraft and responding to base threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Paula Arce)

From left, Master Sgt. Timothy Hessel, 22nd Security Forces Squadron patrolman, and Capt. Daniel Flenniken, 22nd Logistics Readiness Squadron director of operations, assists a simulated downed airman during exercise Lethal Stack at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, May 6, 2025. The weeklong exercise tested units’ ability to generate aircraft and operate within a contested environment to increase lethality, survivability and agility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Felicia Przydzial) — Team McConnell tests their lethality in Exercise Lethal Stack

From left, Master Sgt. Timothy Hessel, 22nd Security Forces Squadron patrolman, and Capt. Daniel Flenniken, 22nd Logistics Readiness Squadron director of operations, assists a simulated downed airman during exercise Lethal Stack at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, May 6, 2025. The weeklong exercise tested units’ ability to generate aircraft and operate within a contested environment to increase lethality, survivability and agility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Felicia Przydzial)

Senior Airman Blake Ellison, 22nd Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment specialist, pats down Capt. Paxton Petitpas, 349th Air Refueling Squadron chief of tactics, during Exercise Lethal Stack at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, May 7, 2025. A pat down with decontamination gloves is the first step of the chemical decontamination process. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Patrick O’Neill) — Team McConnell tests their lethality in Exercise Lethal Stack

Senior Airman Blake Ellison, 22nd Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment specialist, pats down Capt. Paxton Petitpas, 349th Air Refueling Squadron chief of tactics, during Exercise Lethal Stack at McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, May 7, 2025. A pat down with decontamination gloves is the first step of the chemical decontamination process. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Patrick O’Neill)