Anti-terrorism exercise heightens 145th Airlift Wing awareness

by Master Sgt. Patricia F. Moran and Staff Sgt. Julianne M.Showalter
145th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

11/8/2014 - CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The 145th Airlift Wing went on lock down as Airmen participated in an anti-terrorism exercise Nov. 1 at the North Carolina Air National Guard base at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

This exercise, held annually in accordance with Department of Defense policy, is a coordinated event to train all participants and ensure successful coordination is met between the different on-base units and off-base agencies in an effort to deter terrorist incidents, employ countermeasures, and lessen the effects of a terrorist incident.

The 145th Force Support Squadron has many supporting roles to the Airmen of the NCANG. Putting together a Search and Recovery team is one of their missions. These FSR members work closely with other units assisting medical examiners and coroners in collecting human remains and personal effects from the scene of the simulated terrorist attack.

An audible explosion echoed across the base simulating the detonation of a car bomb which breached the base perimeter.

Computer warnings, accountability calls and force protection procedures were initiated, as well as the activation of the Emergency Operation Center composed of key leadership personnel.

"Support and coordination from security and the fire department was wonderful, and our team did an excellent job," said Lt. Col. Lisa Kirk, the search and recovery officer and 145th FSS commander.

"As a Wing we made great strides and the evaluation went well. We learned some things and can do better," said Chief Master Sgt. Daryl Cook, 145th Civil Engineer Squadron fire chief who was part of the inspection team reviewing the exercise and part of the EOC.

The exercise was conducted to evaluate the response capabilities of the 145th AW and to simulate a terrorist event. It incorporated the response actions of our Initial Response Force, Security Forces, Civil Engineers and the Disaster Response Force to allow the ability to sustain operations while responding to an incident.

"It's an exercise to evaluate ourselves and make things better," said Cook. "We have to be prepared for any type of contingency, and we're doing our part to be ready."

Not only was the wing able to respond to a simulated heightened threat, but they were able to do so while maintaining 100 percent accountability of their forces and sustaining the wing's daily mission.