Base exercises to avert crisis Published July 5, 2007 By Senior Airman J. Paul Croxon 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Two months ago the Warriors of the North were tested with a worldwide crisis scenario exercise. Last week, they were tested again. The June 25 - 28 exercise was the second exercise of its type this year and gave wing leaders the chance to see how the base's operational and support elements function during a time of global crisis and also allowed them to compare those functions to previous exercises. This type of exercise tests responsibilities the Air Force has had since the Cold War, many of which are still needed in contemporary times. "This exercise allowed us to address areas from the previous exercise that needed improvement," said Maj. Steven Dougherty, deputy inspector general. The IG and Exercise Evaluation Team saw a marked improvement this time, from the way the exercise was executed to the response from the actual Airmen being evaluated. Following the exercise, IG and EET compiled their evaluations and presented the findings to wing leaders. "Again, the Warriors of the North proved their professionalism under pressure during this exercise," said Col. Diane Hull, 319th Air Refueling Wing commander. "Like every exercise, there are things we could improve upon. Even though the Cold War is over, the skills tested in these scenarios are still applicable to today's global landscape and we, as professional Airmen, need to practice these skills."