EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska – Team Eielson trained on handling chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats during the Golden Raven 23-1 exercise.
“The exercise is designed to allow the 168th Wing and 354th Fighter Wing to execute their core mission-essential tasks and evaluate their ability to survive and operate within a CBRN environment,” said Lt. Col. Katarzyna Johnson, 168th wing inspector general.
The goal is to support the KC-135 and other flying missions to get jets refueled and in the air.
“For a unit to have proper command, control, and communication, it is imperative we have realistic exercises for all our members to learn and unify from,” said Master Sgt. Douglas Weber, 168th Wing, comptroller technician, and wing inspection team member.
The CBRN exercise is one of many annual readiness training requirements. The exercise prepares personnel to survive in a compromised environment and mitigate the effects of a CBRN attack.
“The Phase II exercises are important to keep members up to date with the training requirements. Not only how to appropriately utilize the gear but also how to manage taskings such as PAR sweeps or on-the-job tasks,” said Tech Sgt. Vincent Mckiernan, 168th Logistics Readiness Squadron, heavy mobile and equipment manager, and wing inspection team member.
“PAR teams are the unit’s first line to ensure the safety of all members within their area of control. PAR teams sound the alarm if buildings are unsafe, people are injured, or a new hazard in the area, such as a UXO or CBRN. They are the eyes of the unit to what is happening in our environments outside,” said Weber.
Participants executed the exercise in phases. Each squadron trained as a team to be comfortable deploying where CBRN attacks are a threat.