The 131st Force Support Squadron expanded their Airmen’s deployment skills by training them on their newest Expandable Single Pallet Expeditionary Kitchen (E-SPEK) during Exercise Pacific Reign 2024, held from April 22 to May 2, 2024, at Camp Clark in Nevada, Missouri.
The squadron received a unique opportunity to utilize the unit in a simulated deployed environment, making them one of the few Guard units to employ the E-SPEK in its deployment capacity. The kitchen is designed to operate in austere environments and can feed approximately 500 people. It is transportable by helicopter, truck, or boat.
“This is the first time we used it out in a field setting,” said U.S. Air National Guard Tech. Sgt. Kathrine Jarman, a base services specialist assigned to the 131st FSS. “We have only cracked it open once to train on it, but this exercise will help our Airmen by getting their five- and seven-level upgrade training for the kitchen.”
During the exercise, services Airmen were able to meet the needs of the 239th Combat Communications Squadron using the E-SPEK. The kitchen was tasked with feeding around 80 personnel four nutritionally balanced meals per day. Given that the exercise conducted 24-hour operations, services Airmen worked continuously to provide meals throughout both day and night.
“Our Airmen are getting the most out of this type of training,” said 2nd Lt. James Hanson, the 131st FSS services officer in charge. “By having hands-on training ranging from experience in a field condition to troubleshooting issues that come up, we stay prepared for future deployments. This gives us an idea of what to expect while we’re out there.”
