U.S. Guard trains tanker crews for nuclear deterrence operations

The 157th Air Refueling Wing conducted a nuclear operational readiness exercise from Feb. 5–8, testing its ability to generate and sustain aerial refueling operations in direct support of the United States’ nuclear deterrence mission, the unit said.

The exercise was held at Pease and focused on validating procedures, skills, and command-and-control processes required to place the wing’s KC-46A Pegasus into sustained alert operations. According to the wing, the training centered on simulated nuclear deterrence scenarios that required rapid response and continuous operations.

Lt. Col. Ryan Cunningham, the exercise director and commander of the 133rd Air Refueling Squadron, said the event marked a major step in restoring nuclear deterrence capabilities at Pease following the unit’s transition from the KC-135 in 2019. “The mindset going in with 24/7 operations was to get everyone involved,” Cunningham said. “The team was excited and gained an understanding of what goes into executing their roles to support this mission.”

The KC-46A, the Air Force’s newest tanker, provides advanced refueling capability and is equipped with self-protection, defensive systems, and communications designed for operations in contested environments. Wing officials said the aircraft’s capabilities were central to the exercise’s deterrence-focused scenarios.

(Photo by April Jackson)

The wing increased readiness through two weeks of preparatory injects before executing the main portion of the exercise during its monthly training weekend. From Friday through Sunday, Airmen worked around the clock to practice alert generation, aircraft preparation, security, and mission execution under time constraints.

As an initial operational test and evaluation unit, the wing also received a tasking from the KC-46 Weapons System Council to develop a cold-weather operating plan for nuclear alert missions. According to Cunningham, severe winter conditions during the exercise provided an opportunity to meet that requirement in real-world conditions.

Despite wind chills dropping below minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit, the wing reported no cold-related injuries. Staff Sgt. William Borcy of the 157th Security Forces Squadron provided aircraft security on the flightline during the exercise. “It’s good because the practice makes you better so you can perfect your craft,” Borcy said.

(Photo by Timothy Huffman)

Inside the alert facility, pilots and boom operators staged equipment and waited for simulated launch orders. Tech. Sgt. Amy James, a boom operator with the 64th Air Refueling Squadron, said the exercise introduced a new mission set. “This exercise required patience and attention to everything because you can’t write stuff down,” she said.

Support functions were also exercised, including force support and sustainment operations. Staff Sgt. Logan Macdonald of the 157th Force Support Squadron said the event highlighted the personnel demands of maintaining alert operations while continuing routine base services.

Col. Brian Carloni, commander of the 157th Air Refueling Wing, said the exercise confirmed the unit’s readiness to support strategic deterrence missions with the KC-46 fleet. “The New Hampshire Air National Guard plays a large part in protecting our country,” Carloni said. “Our Airmen keep us at the forefront of KC-46 innovation and expertise, enabling us to quickly answer the call whenever and wherever it comes.”