341st Missile Wing completes four-day deployment exercise

Nearly 200 Airmen from the 341st Missile Wing participated in a four-day simulated deployment April 14-17, 2025, at the Limestone Hills Training Area near Helena, Montana.

Exercise NIMBLE AUK combined personnel from 31 Air Force Specialty Codes, representing 10 different squadrons, into a realistic and complex training scenario designed to prepare Airmen for the demands of real-world deployments.

This is the second consecutive year the 341 MW has completed Exercise NIMBLE AUK.

“Traditionally, personnel in 20th Air Force rarely have opportunities to deploy due to our strategic, no-fail mission set,” said U.S Air Force Capt. Dean Ronsman, 341st Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal flight commander. “Although not intended, this ultimately limits the base’s experience in contingency operations, especially for first-assignment Airmen of all ranks.”

Preparation for this event took months of planning between numerous agencies, cumulating in an event that gave Airmen the chance to experience and feel what is normally only talked about in classrooms and viewed on computer screens.

“The intent of NIMBLE AUK was to provide some level of expeditionary experience to these Airmen, including sleeping in Alaskan Small Shelter Systems, pulling security or fire watch, eating Meal Ready to Eat and Unitized Group Ration in the field, or simply having to maintain constant accountability of important equipment,” Ronsman said. “Additionally, the planning team wanted to emphasize the idea that ‘everyone fights’ within the constructs of Multi-Capable and Mission Ready Airmen.”

Members began by processing through a Personnel Deployment Function line before traveling to the remote location aboard C-130 Hercules aircraft.

In executing NIMBLE AUK, members had to assemble a dozen lodging tents of various types and defend a forward operating base, a critical skill for operating in contested environments.

Participants also had to construct and man the security perimeter day and night. Utilizing defensive fighting positions and entry control points, they honed their tactical skills and situational awareness. Maintaining round-the-clock vigilance underscored the importance of constant readiness.

After accomplishing these initial objectives, Airmen were tasked with various mission scenarios, testing adaptability and responsiveness under pressure while defending against simulated threats.

The austere conditions, including cold nights in field tents, high wind conditions, and difficult terrain further enhanced realism, building resilience and versatility to counter the capabilities our adversaries will bring to the fight. The exercise also provided an opportunity for chaplain engagement, emphasizing the importance of building trust and supporting Airmen beyond their tactical roles. 

NIMBLE AUK provided a valuable opportunity for Airmen of all AFSCs to learn from each other and become familiar with their fellow Airmen's roles in a deployed location. This fostered improved communication and coordination between the different squadrons, crucial for mission success. The 341st Mission Support Group is looking to expand and continue to grow this exercise in the future, recognizing its value in preparing Airmen for real-world contingencies.

“The design and structure of the exercise was intended to mimic the core concepts behind a hub and spoke operation. We wanted Airmen who have never experienced anything like it to gain some understanding of how operational guidance leads to tactical execution,” said Ronsman.

Exercises like NIMBLE AUK are essential for maintaining a highly effective and determined force capable of executing the nuclear deterrence mission. The Montana Air National Guard’s 120th Airlift Wing and the Montana Army National Guard provided essential support, highlighting the importance of interagency cooperation.

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