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EXERCISE

  • Published
  • By Capt. Craig Warn
  • 110th Public Affairs
On May 15, 2012, the 110th Airlift Wing conducted a Major Accident Response Exercise (M.A.R.E.) to ensure its members are prepared to respond to any major accidents which may occur on the airfield. During this exercise, a simulated C-21A Learjet crashed on the airfield with the initial response coming from the Crash and Rescue of the 110th Airlift Wing Fire Department. The 110th Airlift Wing Chief of Safety, Lt. Col. David Pettersson said, "We exercise the fire department emergency response plan, crew extraction, and our hazmat spill response plan. These types of exercises are absolutely necessary to ensure 110th members can perform their jobs with efficiency and effectiveness during a real world emergency."

During the exercise scenario, an Emergency Operation Center (EOC) was stood up to act as a command and control center. "The EOC provides support to the incident commander," said Master Sgt. Steven Gage, the 110th Airlift Wing Installation Emergency Manager, "They coordinate Unit Control Centers and establish cooperation with off base agencies. The EOC priority is response, recovery, and mission continuation."

Several exercises are conducted annually and exercise scenarios including natural disasters, aircraft mishaps, mass casualties, hazardous material responses and even terrorist actions.