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Fairchild civil engineers hold multi-agency aircraft response exercise

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Taylor Bourgeous
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  The 92nd Civil Engineer Squadron held a simulated aircraft crash and structure fire training exercise at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, May 11, 2016.

The training involved multiple 92nd CES agencies, including members from the Fire Department, Emergency Management, Environmental and Explosive Ordinance Disposal, all working together to resolve the incident.

The crews responded to a simulated aircraft crash, in which an F-18 experienced various mechanical issues and clipped a nearby structure. According to the training scenario, during the aircraft's descent, the pilot was forced to drop armament and then eject.

"We follow a life safety, incident isolation and property conservation checklist," said Master Sgt. Christopher Lance, 92nd CES assistant fire chief. "With incidents similar to this, we first focus on the pilot, then any victims inside the building. Life safety is the priority, then we work on containing the incident."

Once all of the victims were out of the building, the firefighters worked to contain the fire. During this time, EOD members conducted render-safe procedures to disarm an uncovered bomb.

"I found this exercise very helpful," said Senior Airman Aaron Menhart, 92nd CES firefighter. "I was able to practice a scenario we don't do very often. This is a realistic emergency that could happen at any time. It's important to train and be ready for that moment."

According to Lance, exercises like these tend to be successful due to leadership growing the partnership with other agencies.

Airman 1st Class Jordan Davis said he enjoyed seeing the multiple agencies arrive on scene. They integrated well together and were working effectively as a team. Due to previous training and drills, everyone knew the position they held and what was expected of them.

"I want to thank the leadership for providing us the opportunity to participate in training like this. Their support really enables us," concluded Lance.