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Major accident response exercise tests readiness, cooperation

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Bryan Cox
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Shaw members practiced their response to a simulated aircraft crash Tuesday to ensure the base is ready to quickly respond should the real thing happen. The base buzzed with activity as firefighters, explosive ordance disposal and security forces Airmen responded to the scene.

But there was no crisis. This time all the activity was an elaborate ruse -- a realistic training exercise designed to simulate and test base response procedures. It’s called a major accident response exercise, and is critical to ensuring Shaw Airmen are ready when the real thing happens.

About 100 people took part in the exercise, said Erik Singletary, 20th Fighter Wing exercise and inspections specialist. The scenario tested Shaw’s ability to respond to a hazardous material aircraft crash, and is one of seven different scenarios the base exercises each year.

“We use MAREs to prepare for the worst-case scenario,” Mr. Singletary said. “Every time we do these [exercises] we learn something new. The information we learned today will make us better in the event we have to respond to a real-world situation.”

In Tuesday’s scenario, a Shaw F-16D carrying two pilots “crashed” at Poinsett Range. One pilot ejected safely and the other perished in the crash. The ensuing fire and wreckage required a coordinated effort between all participating units to rescue the surviving pilot, secure the crash site and recover the deceased pilot.

This complex response sharpens relationships between medical, fire, security forces and readiness personnel, according to Senior Master Sgt. Charles Bryson, Shaw Deputy Fire Chief. “It also allows us to test the base’s command and control function, which includes senior wing leadership and several different organizations,” Sgt. Bryson said.

According to Sgt. Bryson, everyone’s response was coordinated and efficient during the exercise, which shows that continual training keeps base response personnel ready when needed.

“We learn something new each time we exercise, and the more often we test ourselves the fewer surprises we’re likely to face when it’s time to respond for the real thing,” said Sgt. Bryson. “You always have chaos. It’s kind of expected. Communication is the key.”

A few difficulties arose throughout the morning, Sgt. Bryson said, the “normal confusion” one might expect in an emergency of this magnitude.

“I’m pleased with how quickly we brought order to the chaos,” he said. “This exercise is a good test of our organization.”