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Integrated Exercise Tests Emergency Response Capability in Jacksonville

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090312-18
Release Date: 3/12/2009 4:50:00 PM

By Clark Pierce, Naval Air Station Jacksonville Public Affairs

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- Firefighters, security and medical personnel provided an integrated response March 3 to a crisis scenario involving a wild fire, injured personnel and a hostage situation at the Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville Antenna Farm.

In the exercise script, while a grounds maintenance crew filled gas tanks of equipment, fuel spilled onto the ground – where a carelessly thrown cigarette ignites the fire. Members of the crew suffer smoke inhalation, burns, sprains and cuts as they exit the area.

Some of the crew observes a pair of suspicious persons in the adjacent wooded area. As the sound of sirens approaches, the suspicious persons take a grounds crew member hostage and proceed to a nearby building.

"Scheduling installation exercises like this is critical to understanding the readiness of our personnel to handle disaster response," said NAS Jacksonville Commanding Officer Capt. Jack Scorby Jr.

"From the airman apprentice to the most senior member, we must understand our crisis teams' roles and responsibilities when it comes to dealing effectively with an emergency. This type of exercise enables us to respond more effectively and efficiently by taking an integrated training team (ITT) approach."

NAS Jacksonville Executive Officer and ITT Leader Cmdr. Ellis Bowler commenced the exercise at 8:30 a.m. under cool and sunny conditions.

"This integrated exercise is designed to put teams from fire and rescue, security and medical in the field together. This allows our base EOC (Emergency Operations Center) to stand up under simulated crisis conditions," said Bowler.

"The scenario allows first responders to see how they can become more effective as elements of a larger team during a complex situation. At the same time, it allows them to accomplish specific training objectives within their mission areas."

Installation Training Officer Hank Bugbee said, "The exercise provides NAS Jacksonville the opportunity to plan, execute and assess readiness by demonstrating mission capabilities in order to integrate and train like we fight. Overall, the exercise was very successful."

Bowler concluded, "While these groups have drilled together previously – such as before last fall's air show – this is the first time they're operating together on a large-scale scenario away from the airfield.

"Overall, it was a very successful drill. We learned some great lessons that will be incorporated into our operating procedures, and we'll go back into the field soon to test those procedures."

For more news from Naval Air Station Jacksonville, visit www.navy.mil/local/nasjax/.