Exercise tests Keesler's HAZMAT response
Assistant Fire Chief David Tenace, Keesler Fire Department, directs fire fighters at the scene of a Force Protection Condition exercise at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., Jan. 26, 2012, while members of the Exercise Evaluation team observes their efforts. The exercise was a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and high-yield Explosive exercise with a scenario that included a terrorist group that was able to penetrate the base and park a truck with a four, hundred-gallon barrels full of anhydrous ammonia by the soccer field on G Street. A small improvised explosive device was “exploded” causing the anhydrous ammonia to pour from the trailer, exposing a group of ten Airmen who had just finished physical training. Immediately the Airmen simulated receiving skin and eye irritations and burns, coughing, chest pain and vomiting from exposure to the chemical. Two Airmen also simulated receiving broken bones from flying debris from the explosion. Also the 81st Medical Group and 81st Security Forces Squadron responded on scene. The exercise took place Jan. 23-27. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)