NORE tests capabilities Published Sept. 11, 2012 By Airman 1st Class Katrina M. Brisbin 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. - -- On Sept. 2, 2012, McConnell Airmen began and Nuclear Operational Readiness Exercise to hone their skills. The NORE showcased the base's capability to prepare a flight and take off within minutes of being notified of a mission. "Our service members are trained to handle any issue day-to-day," said Maj. Jerry Bennett, 22nd Air Refueling Wing Director of Staff deputy. "McConnell Airmen are trained to fight the fight in any endeavor." During the weeklong exercise, McConnell was evaluated on deployment line processing of Airmen and deployment operations. Members prepared aircraft for deployment, launched aircraft, prepared pallets and simulated deployment processing. All sections were tested by evaluators and graded on how they reacted to special situations. "At any point and time the military can deploy throughout the world and that's not contingent on any time or day, that's just the way that works," said Bennett. A NORE is one of many training exercises the wing's plans and programs office develops in order to ensure the 22nd ARW is able to accomplish its mission. These exercises are conducted not only in preparation for upcoming inspections but also to ensure and help maintain a state of readiness throughout the wing. "We practiced as if we had deployed a full unit to another base to set up a self sustained unit," said Master Sgt. James Carter, 22nd ARW plans and programs superintendent. "The exercise involved identifying team members, building the cargo, prepping the aircraft for expedient launches, out processing and moving the players." This exercise was to practice for our upcoming operational readiness inspection in January 2013. Every base agency was involved with the NORE, including 168 support personnel and 12 aircraft, all working around the clock. Results from the NORE will be released at the commander's call on Sept. 13.