131st Force Support Squadron integrates new expeditionary kitchen Published May 30, 2024 By Senior Airman Phoenix Lietch 131st Bomb Wing Public Affairs CAMP CLARK, Mo. -- The 131st Force Support Squadron expanded their Airmen's deployment skills by training them on their newest Expandable Single Pallet Expeditionary Kitchen (E-SPEK) amidst Exercise Pacific Reign 2024, April 22 to May 2, 2024 at Camp Clark, Nevada, Missouri. The 131st FSS received a training opportunity to utilize the unit in a simulated deployed environment, making them one of the few Guard units to utilize the E-SPEK in its deployment capacity. The kitchen has the ability to operate in austere environments, and is capable of feeding around 500 people. It can be transported 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.” With the use of the E-SPEK, services Airmen were able to meet the needs of the 239th Combat Communications Squadron during the exercise. The kitchen was tasked to feed around 80 personnel four nutritionally balanced meals per day. Because the exercise was conducting 24-hour operations, services Airmen worked around the clock to provide meals throughout the 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 the ability to have 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.”