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49th MXG conducts Phase II exercise

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Timothy Young
  • 49th Wing Public Affairs

The 49th Maintenance Group educated more than 200 Airmen during its first phase II exercise at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., Feb. 22, 2018.

The exercise objective was to train and prepare Holloman Airmen for threats including chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear attacks. 

This exercise is a first among remotely piloted aircraft bases and the 49th MXG had to reach out for support from other units.

“Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea was chosen as a template because they are the most experienced with such training,” said Master Sgt. Danny Smith, 49th MXG self-assessment program manager. “We contacted Osan’s quality assurance folks and maintenance group. We asked them to send over their information then we broke that down and created an ability to survive and operate guide that reflects Holloman MXG culture.”

After converting the template the exercise planners started finding the necessary subject matter experts.

“We started getting all the different agencies to help us out,” said Smith. “We got with 49th Civil Engineer Squadron since they are the experts in this area and they got us the gear and helped us get everything we needed. We had the 49th Medical Group supply us with Self Aid Buddy Care kits and litters. Of course the 49th Logistics Readiness Squadron was a big help to supply all the CBRN equipment to all of us.”

The participating Airmen’s training included donning mission oriented protective posture gear, conducting SABC to simulated injuries all while keeping accountability of each other.

“It is outstanding to knock the rust off, while getting valuable training for the younger warriors,” said Maj. Andrew Dowd, 49th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander.

Participants also had the opportunity to decontaminate equipment and conduct post attack reconnaissance sweeps while keeping operations running.

“We are doing this Phase II while we are launching aircraft, while were loading bombs, and while we are doing maintenance,” said Smith. “We are the first MQ-9 Reaper base to do a true phase II so we are setting the precedent for others to follow.”

This exercise also helps participants get used to donning the gear quickly while performing their jobs in the gear to see how it effects how they execute their work.

“Airmen need to be aware and we all need to be prepared,” said Smith.