Camp Clark, Missouri —
The 131st Force Support Squadron used its latest Expandable Single Pallet Expeditionary Kitchen (E-SPEK) to train Airmen's deployment skills during Exercise Pacific Rain 2024, April 22-May 2, 2024, at Camp Clark, Nevada, Missouri.
The 131st FSS had the training opportunity to utilize the unit in a simulated deployed environment, making it one of the few National Guard units to utilize E-SPEK in a deployed capacity.
The kitchen can operate in harsh environments and feed around 500 people. It can be transported by helicopter, truck or boat.
“This is the first time we've used it in the field,” said U.S. Air National Guard Tech. Sgt. Katherine German, base services specialist assigned to the 131st Combat Support Base. “We've only opened it once for training, but this training will help Airmen get trained on the 5th and 7th grade upgrades to the galley.”
Using E-SPEK, Airmen were able to meet the needs of the 239th Fighter Communications Squadron during the exercise. The galley was tasked with providing four nutritionally balanced meals per day to approximately 80 personnel. Because the exercise was around the clock, Airmen worked around the clock to provide meals throughout the day and night.
“Our Airmen get the most out of this type of training,” said 1st Lt. James Hanson, 131st Air Base commander. “From experiencing it in the field to troubleshooting any issues that arise, they get hands-on training that helps prepare them for future deployments so they know what to expect during a deployment.”
