An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

News Stories
NEWS | Aug. 28, 2024

Joint Base Andrews implements inaugural domestic violence response drill

By Senior Airman Bridgitte Taylor | 316th Wing Public Affairs

The 316th Wing inspection team hosted the base’s inaugural scenario-based domestic violence exercise at Freedom Park, Thursday. The exercise included an actor initiating simulated violence against their partner in a public setting, eventually involving base organizations to de-escalate, process and investigate the physical altercation.

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall directed changes to the Department of the Air Force’s domestic violence and response efforts according to a September 2023 announcement. One of the changes included the implementation of an annual domestic violence exercise.

Organizations from across base such as the 316th Security Forces Squadron, Office of Special Investigations, 316th Medical Squadron, 316th Medical Support Squadron, firefighters, and the Family Advocacy Program took part in the exercise.

The exercise was planned and executed by the inspection team who also graded responses by participants during the scenarios.

“I feel everything went as appropriately as they have trained. Everyone did what they were supposed to do, they effectively met the markers that we had...,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Desiree Maestas, a 316th Wing inspector and planner. “With this being our first domestic violence-based exercise, we didn't have a foundation on what to expect. However, now that we have a platform to build on, we can focus on getting other organizations involved.”

Search
Feature
Pilot stands in front of plane.

Faces behind the Joint Base Andrews Air Show

From logistics and ground operations to aerial coordination, Airmen, civilians and community partners have been working behind the scenes to bring the 2025 Joint Base Andrews Andrews Air Show to life.The work of these teams spans every corner of the...
Commentary
photo of Senior Master Sgt. Cruz

Lessons in leadership for new supervisors

I had the honor of serving as class mentor for Airman Leadership School Class 25-Foxtrot, and I was guest speaker at their graduation on Aug. 28, 2025. Watching these dedicated Airmen complete their first level of professional military education was...