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 | Sept. 4, 2025

Iowa Air Guard’s 132nd Civil Engineer Squadron Participates in Exercise Toxic Swell 25

By Staff Sgt. John Johnson, 132d Wing

MARINE CORPS TRAINING AREA BELLOWS, Hawaii - Airmen from the Iowa Air National Guard’s 132nd Civil Engineer Squadron traveled to Oahu, Hawaii, in August to participate in Exercise Toxic Swell 25, a joint chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear training event involving multi-branch Active-Duty, Reserve and National Guard components.

While Iowans back home enjoyed salt on their corn at the state fair, the Airmen from Des Moines found themselves dealing with a different kind of salt—sweat, sand and simulated chemical threats—on the beaches and training sites of Oahu.

The intent of Exercise Toxic Swell is to enhance joint-force readiness and interoperability in responding to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats in complex environments. The exercise simulates real-world scenarios in which military units must identify, secure and mitigate hazardous materials while coordinating across service branches. By training together in a dynamic and realistic setting, participants build critical skills in communication, threat assessment and mission execution under pressure.

Exercise Toxic Swell 25 culminated on Aug. 21 in a complex scenario involving opposition forces and civilian role players. Participants patrolled into a mock town, secured a hazardous laboratory and defended against simulated enemy threats in a high-stress, joint training environment.

The Iowa Airmen were split into two main groups and performed a variety of roles, including machine gun overwatch; chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear  lab seizure; and outer perimeter security.

“The mission was intense but rewarding,” said Tech. Sgt. Jon Linn of the 132nd Civil Engineer Squadron. “Working alongside Marines and other Airmen helped us improve our skills and build confidence in real-world scenarios.”

Marine Corps leadership praised the professionalism and adaptability of the Iowa Airmen, noting their work ethic and willingness to take on critical roles during the exercise. Linn was specifically recognized for going above and beyond to support the joint mission.

Chief Master Sgt. Sean Augspurger, senior enlisted leader for the 132nd Mission Support Group, commended the Airmen’s performance.

“The defining characteristic of the Iowa Guard team in joint training is their seamless integration and collaborative spirit,” Augspurger said. “They actively seek learning opportunities in every interaction, fostering a culture of mutual respect and shared expertise that elevates the performance of all participating forces. We could not be prouder.”

The 132nd’s participation in Exercise Toxic Swell reflects the unit’s ongoing commitment to readiness, joint interoperability and mission success in complex environments.

 

 

Related Articles
Staff Sgt. Brock Logan (in the main cab) from the 132d Logistics Readiness Squadron Vehicle Maintenance looks up at Staff Sgt. Russell Bunger (in the de-icing boom cabin) both requalified on de-icing equipment with the help of the 176th LRS Vehicle Maintenance, Alaska Air National Guard. The requalification took place during the unit’s annual training at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.
lowa Airmen Take Training to New Heights
By Capt. Matthew Doyle, | July 1, 2025
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska – More than 75 Airmen from the Iowa Air National Guard’s 132d Logistics Readiness Squadron, 132d Communications Squadron and 132d Wing Staff traveled to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson,...

Military and community partners listen to briefings during distinguished visitors' day at the Cyber Tatanka exercise June 12, 2025, at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Cyber Tatanka enhances interoperability between industry leaders; the National Guard; international military partners; federal, state, and local governments; and non-governmental organizations to protect Critical Infrastructure from cyber threats.
Cyber Tatanka Exercise Hones Cyber Warrior Skills
By Master Sgt. Michael Kelly, | June 20, 2025
LINCOLN, Neb. - Airmen from the 132d Wing, Iowa Air National Guard, recently participated in Exercise Cyber Tatanka, a cybersecurity training event held at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln.  The exercise, hosted by the...

Maj. Joerge Baack, center, the 168th Cyberspace Operations Squadron director of operations, monitors his team during the International Cyber Defense Competition Feb. 22, 2025, at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. Cyber teams from the armed forces of Kosovo, Albania and Northern Macedonia participated with university teams from Iowa State, Kansas, DePaul, Northern Iowa, Drake and several Iowa high schools.
Iowa Wing Joins International Cyber Defense Competition
By Master Sgt. Michael Kelly, | Feb. 26, 2025
AMES, Iowa - Airmen of the 168th Cyberspace Operations Squadron assigned to the 132d Wing, Iowa Air National Guard, participated in the International Cyber Defense Competition Feb. 22 at Iowa State University. Cyber teams...