JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
U.S. Air Force Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear teams from across the National Capital Region participated in a training exercise aimed at enhancing their operational readiness, Aug. 23, 2024. Organized by the Installation Office of Emergency Management, the exercise tested participants’ ability to respond to simulated chemical and biological threats.
"This exercise has encapsulated Joint Base Andrews, Fort Meade, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, and the 113th Air National Guard," said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Cody Young, noncommissioned officer in charge of operations at the Installation Office of Emergency Management. He emphasized the collaborative effort among bases in the National Capital Region.
Scenarios for the exercise included simulated chemical facilities, biological labs, and drug labs, in which CBRN responders practiced reconnaissance, sampling, and decontamination. Young described the scenarios as "mentally and physically taxing for our guys to go in there, identify precursors, and then get out safely,” underscoring the realistic conditions participants undergo to prepare for the future fight.
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Steven Fazakerley, a training team member assigned to the 316th Civil Engineer Squadron, discussed the challenges of performing in full protective gear while engaged in reconnaissance operations.
"It's our job to get in and find out what's going on and get that intel up to C2 [command and control] as quickly as possible,” Fazakerley said.
U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Maria Reffner, flight commander at the Installation Office of Emergency Management, is one of the first CBRN officers within Air Force District of Washington.
Reffner, who recently completed specialized training at the Marine Corps Basic CBRN School, explained how the experience shifted her perspective.
"It is a complete 180 from when I was with the flight before I went to the schoolhouse. Now, I understand the tasks the Air Force expects of my team, and I can lead them more effectively," she said.
The training highlights the U.S. Air Force’s commitment to preparing its Airmen for the demands of future conflicts involving chemical and biological threats, ensuring they are equipped to operate effectively in the context of Great Power Competition.