ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Last week, the U.S. Army National Guard worked alongside the 97th Air Mobility Wing to simulate a deployed emergency scenario that tested the capabilities of how quickly they can mobilize. The Mighty 97th teamed up with the brigade for an exercise, known as Operation Western Strike, to practice deployed operations when overseas in real-world scenarios. They loaded six High Mobility Rocket Systems onto a C-17 Globemaster III that flew to Arkansas for one week. While there, they completed the operation and tested the capabilities of their HIMARS. On June 18, 2019, the team returned to Altus Air Force Base, and successfully off-loaded all their equipment from the C-17 with the support of the 58th Airlift Squadron. Conducting operations such as this keep relationships with the Army strong and help Airmen of the Mighty 97th stay mission ready.