FARGO, N.D. -- The Happy Hooligans of the 119th Wing successfully completed a Combat Readiness Inspection (CRI) dubbed “Agile Hooligan” June 8-12, 2026.
The week-long comprehensive evaluation, conducted by Air Combat Command’s Inspector General’s office, assessed the Wing’s mission readiness to respond to real-world contingencies by testing the wing’s ability to rapidly deploy personnel and equipment while responding to multiple stressors in a fast-paced and degraded security environment.
The exercise incorporated a “Hub and Spoke” model, with a large group deploying to a simulated base and conducting MQ-9 operations at the” Hub” site. That group deployed smaller forces to two austere “spoke” sites and generated MQ-9 missions with a smaller geographically separated force.
While at the deployed locations, the wing tested their war-fighting skills and their ability to generate MQ-9 Reaper operations a contested environment and demonstrate to the inspection team the 119th Wing’s capabilities to execute their mission-essential tasks.
“The Hooligans really knocked it out of the park, as usual,” said Lt. Colonel Roy Thomsen, 119th Wing Inspector General. “It was very rewarding to see our planning efforts be executed as designed, showcasing our capabilities to the inspection team and our commanders.”
To further enhance realism, the Wing established a tent city at the regional training site simulating deployed living conditions and providing support services to house, feed, power, and protect the deployers.
Throughout all the exercise sites, the Hooligans operated with professionalism, dedication, exemplifying the “Hooligan Way” as they faced and overcame challenges, making the exercise a resounding success.
Exercises like “Agile Hooligan” are invaluable in building strong teams and providing comprehensive training to adapt to the evolving technologies and tactics of modern warfare. The skills developed through this training show the 119th Wing’s abilities as a unified and lethal force, fully prepared to respond when needed.