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NEWS | Nov. 10, 2016

Alamo Wing Airmen train for chemical attack

433rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Airmen assigned to the 433rd Airlift Wing participated in Steel Thunder, a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high-yield explosives exercise, Nov. 5 during the wing’s unit training assembly weekend.

 

Airmen from every group assigned to the 433rd AW participated in the exercise that had the participants donning Mission Oriented Protective Posture gear and participating in multiple scenarios during a simulated chemical attack.

 

“Exercises, like Steel Thunder, are an integral part of the Air Force inspection system,” said Lt. Col. Don Hanks, 433rd Airlift Wing Inspection and Readiness deputy. “They enhance our readiness, provide critical training, help us constantly improve our capabilities, and provide a solid foundation for us to exceed the 433rd AW mission, which is to provide combat ready forces." 

 

Saturday morning of the exercise, after equipment was issued and the participants received their briefing, they were bussed out to a simulated deployed environment where the exercise was set to take place. Within a few minutes, the alarm sounded and the Airmen were under attack.

 

The participants had a certain amount of time to don their protective gear and start reporting what they witnessed during the attack.

 

They had to identify what type of chemical agent was used during the attack, provide self-aid and buddy care to injured victims, identify any potential unidentified unexploded ordinances, and cover and contain any military assets that were unprotected during the assault. They also had to advance through zone transition points, and continuously maintain situational awareness for any potential threats or dangerous hazards. 

 

“This was a great refresher for many of us who haven’t gone through it in a while,” said Senior Master Sgt. Lisa Lopez, 433rd Medical Squadron aerospace medical technician. “There are always updates and changes to practices and procedures, and it’s very important we keep up-to-date on what those procedures are.”