RPU manages Sunrise Airmen

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Patrick S. Ciccarone
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Airmen from the 35th Logistics Readiness Squadron simulated accepting personnel through a reception processing unit at the Richard Bong Training Facility during exercise Beverly Sunrise 15-1, Dec. 8.

In a real-world operation, Misawa AB becomes a hub for forward deployed Airmen from all over the Pacific Air Forces area of responsibility to support contingencies.

"Those members who are deploying to Misawa are received by our group, accounted for and given lodging accommodations," said Tech. Sgt. Lindsay Matthews, 35th Force Support Squadron customer support section chief. "After in-processing, they will be released to their units to begin work immediately."

As a direct result of the Commander's Inspection Program, which allows commanders to shape exercises to help units execute the mission more effectively, this is Misawa's first exercise to be practiced as close to real-world events as possible.

"Because of the exercise, we aren't processing personnel any differently than if we were doing it for real operations," said Matthews. "Our unit exercises and accounts for as many incoming Airmen as possible."

Facilities like the Bong Theater and Tohoku Enlisted Club are prepared to house as many personnel as possible during processing.

Upon arriving at Misawa, personnel will be transported by bus to the Bong Theater and go through the RPU there. In-processees will be registered to the base, and briefed on rules and regulations for the area.

"Safety information for Misawa, along with dining facility and gym hours are provided to them," Matthews said. "Basically all of the pertinent information needed for their time here."

After being briefed, personnel are provided lodging through Misawa billeting or another temporary lodging facility.

In a contingency operation, overflow may become a possibility - something Misawa is prepared for.

The Potter Fitness Center will open their basketball and racquetball court for personnel to stay in case lodging becomes full, said Matthews.

Exercises like Beverly Sunrise 15-1 provide learning opportunities for real-world scenarios to be practiced as efficiently as possible.

"Practicing as real as possible is great because if Misawa were to receive follow-on forces, we would need to know how to process, account and have a plan for them," said Matthews. "It prepares us for contingency situations that could potentially occur."