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MARE challenges McConnell Airmen during a tornado response

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Armando A. Schwier-Morales
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  In 2010, 1,543 tornados struck taking 45 lives in the U.S. So, in preparation for severe weather, McConnell AFB members participated in a major accident response exercise, or MARE, on March 10.

Tying into the base priority of "Ready Base" and "Ready Airmen," the MARE tested the skills of McConnell's Airmen to respond to a tornado.

"Team McConnell had to not only survive a tornado, they also had to quickly recover and resume operations after a natural disaster," said Capt. Colin Henderson, 22nd Air Refueling Wing Inspections chief. "This drill ensured that [McConnell's] weather notification systems and tornado sirens are fully functional."

When the weather villain "struck," McConnell's emergency response agencies tested their skills to treat and protect simulated victims affected by the "tornado."

"This exercise helped [agencies] improve interagency communication skills while responding to an unexpected natural disaster," said Captain Henderson. "If a tornado, or any other natural disaster, were to strike McConnell in the future, these agencies will now be better prepared to quickly assess damage, efficiently repair base resources and allow the wing to seamlessly continue executing the mission."

Along with having to react to "victims," bio-environmental, emergency readiness, security forces and the fire department joined forces together to tackle a simulated toxic spill.

"The scenario was a great way to improve interagency response and help train my Airmen's proficiency to mitigate the effects of a natural disaster," said Tech. Sgt. Darryl Robinson, 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron fire department health and safety officer.

Although the "weather villain" was a test, McConnell response teams showcased their ability, while learning from their experience, to help protect McConnell, said Captain Henderson.