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.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | Feb. 6, 2023

134th Air Refueling Wing Trains on Chemical Threat Response

By Staff Sgt. Brandon Keys, 134th Air Refueling Wing

MCGHEE TYSON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Tenn. - Hundreds of 134th Air Refueling Wing members trained how to respond to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear attacks quickly and efficiently during a four-day exercise. 

Airmen from the 164th Airlift Wing instructed 480 Tennessee Air National Guard Airmen how to don protective gear and diagnose various chemical agents.

“This is all about being ready,” said Civil Engineering Squadron Senior Master Sgt. Steven Breeden. “We need to make sure they feel comfortable in the suit. We have to give our Airmen all the tools they need to operate in any environment. This training is all a part of getting that done.”

As the training evolved in February, Airmen quickly applied pants, boots, gloves, jackets and other protective gear while diagnosing gases and nerve agents in various training lanes simulating combat scenarios. Instructors preached reliance on what Airmen have learned to manage stress and eliminate the threat from causing further damage.

“This is all about perspective. We’re here to provide a different view of how this can be handled, and that will help this group long-term,” said 164th Airlift Wing Staff Sgt. Justin Reed. “We have been able to train more people on multiple scenarios, and that can make all the difference when you’re faced with these kind of attacks.”

Without experience in these simulated combat scenarios, confidence wanes and responses to emergencies like chemical, biological, nuclear and environmental hazards can become even more disastrous. While understanding what threat you’re facing is vital, it’s also crucial to know your gear and use it properly.

“The most important part of this training is how to wear your gear correctly in a contaminated environment so you’ll survive,” said Airman 1st Class Hunter Mims. “They learn that this gear will protect them, decontaminate techniques to use and how to read distinctive signs of a CBRN attack.”

Thanks to training like this, Airmen are focused and better prepared to tackle any CBRN threat, at home or abroad.

 

 

Related Articles
U.S. Air National Guard Airmen assigned to the 134th Air Refueling Wing put on protective gear inside a KC-135R Stratotanker during a training exercise, April 6, 2025 at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, Tennessee. The chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, explosives or CBRNE training, allows Airmen the opportunity to test specialized hazard equipment in preparation of potential real world events.
Tennessee Air National Guard Executes Nuclear and Combat Readiness Training
By Tech. Sgt. Melissa Dearstone, | April 8, 2025
MCGHEE TYSON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Tenn. – The 134th Air Refueling Wing has completed a four-day nuclear operational and combat readiness training, reinforcing the Wing’s commitment to maintaining the highest level of...

New York Air National Guard leaders look at a C-17 Globemaster III equipped with microvanes at Stewart Air National Guard Base, New York, Feb. 2, 2025. Microvanes are 3D printed devices that reduce drag and fuel consumption by 1%, saving the Air Force money and enhancing mission capability.
New York Guard Airmen Modernize C-17 Fleet with Microvanes
By Senior Airman Sarah Post, | March 19, 2025
STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, N.Y. - The 105th Airlift Wing is playing a key role in a modernization initiative for the U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III fleet and has become the first base to permanently maintain the...

U.S. Air National Guard Senior Master Sgt. Kevin Jackson, a senior leader from the 134th Mission Support Squadron helps clear debris with Airmen from the 134th Civil Engineer Squadron, in Elizabethton, Tenn., Oct. 2, 2024. Airmen commuted to Elizabethton and surrounding areas daily to help clear debris and give assistance to local residents in need due to flooding from Hurricane Helene.
Tennessee Guard Engineers Continue to Support Helene Recovery Efforts
By Lt. Col. Darrin Haas, | Oct. 3, 2024
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – More than 100 Tennessee Army and Air National Guard engineers continue to support recovery operations in East Tennessee counties impacted by severe flooding following Hurricane Helene. These Guard members...