JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Terrible and tragic events are unscripted, sometimes unavoidable and carry dire consequences. But, Joint Base Andrews practices to be prepared no matter what is thrown its way.
On Feb. 8, Joint Base Andrews members conducted a hazardous material exercise which simulated a truck carrying JP8 jet fuel colliding with a government vehicle carrying passengers, and practiced the installation response to that situation.
"The purpose of the exercise is to test the emergency response actions of the installation's first responders," said Tech. Sgt. Michael Raschiatore, 11th Wing plans and programs exercise evaluation team chief.
But the exercise wasn't limited to just the first responders, as members from all across Andrews contributed to dealing with the exercise emergency.
"Injects are provided by Exercise Evaluation Team members from all Joint Team Andrews partner units to test a full spectrum of response capabilities," said Sergeant Raschiatore.
"Those items included the 779th Medical Group testing the surgical capabilities of the hospital, the 11th Security Forces Group testing suspicious person(s) procedures, and the Airman & Family Readiness Center standing up as the Emergency Family Assistance Control Center to assist family members of those involved in the crash and many more," said Sergeant Raschiatore.
Accordingly, the importance of practicing these events helps prepare members of Joint Base Andrews to respond to events in the future based upon guidelines and training.
"In essence, make the mistakes now, correct them, and learn the lessons during the exercises, so it does not happen in a real-world situation" said Sergeant Raschiatore. "The value of a robust exercise program has been proven recently when the base seamlessly handled the impacts of a water main break."
While training and procedures are important, it's the joint service members of Andrews and their sense of urgency that make these exercises a success in preparing the installation for all contingencies.
"We are exercising at a feverish pace right now in preparation for the Compliance Inspection," he said. "We can write a perfect script for an exercise and possibly have everything in place as required, but we need the support of every person on this installation to pull it off."
As members of Joint Base Andrews continue to overcome challenges in various exercises that test their response capabilities, they also continue to improve their abilities according to Sergeant Raschiatore.
"Compared to where we were in October, we along with the help of our mission partners are making great strides," Sergeant Raschiatore said. "We still have a trek ahead of us, so stay the course and we will succeed during the CI."