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Exercise tests response to major accident

Keesler firefighters respond on scene during a major accident response exercise March 26, 2012, on I-81 across from the Marina at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The exercise scenario included a Coast Guard MH-65C Dolphin helicopter crashing and causing a van to overturn resulting in four deaths and 13 injuries. MAREs are conducted to test Keesler personnel’s response. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

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Exercise tests response to major accident

A Keesler firefighter offers assistance to “injured” Airman first Class Joseph Murray, 338th Training Squadron, on the scene of a major accident response exercise March 26, 2012, on I-81 across from the Marina at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. Prior to the exercise, those who volunteered to play the role of casualties were moulaged for a realistic effect. MAREs are conducted to test Keesler personnel’s response. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

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Exercise tests response to major accident

Keesler firefighters respond on scene during a major accident response exercise March 26, 2012, on I-81 across from the Marina at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The exercise scenario included a Coast Guard MH-65C Dolphin helicopter crashing and causing a van to overturn resulting in four deaths and 13 injuries. MAREs are conducted to test Keesler personnel’s response. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

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Exercise tests response to major accident

Keesler firefighter Tech. Sgt. Commie Hobbs, center, treats “injured victims” in the medical triage area during a major accident response exercise March 26, 2012, on I-81 across from the Marina at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The exercise scenario included a Coast Guard MH-65C Dolphin helicopter crashing and causing a van to overturn resulting in four deaths and 13 injuries. MAREs are conducted to test Keesler personnel’s response. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

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Exercise tests response to major accident

“Injured victims” wait for medical assistance in the triage area during a major accident response exercise March 26, 2012, on I-81 across from the Marina at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. Prior to the exercise, those who volunteered to play the role of casualties were moulaged for a realistic effect. MAREs are conducted to test Keesler personnel’s response. MAREs are conducted to test Keesler personnel’s response. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

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Exercise tests response to major accident

Airman Basic Timothy Oliver, 338th Training Squadron “injured bystander,” lies on a stretcher inside of an ambulance as Airman First Class Fatutoa Levi and Staff Sgt. Jason Evans, 81st Medical Operations Squadron, lift “injured bystander” Airman Basic Damien Moore, 338th TRS, into the ambulance for transporting the Keesler hospital during a major accident response exercise March 26, 2012, on I-81 across from the Marina at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. MAREs are conducted to test Keesler personnel’s response. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

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Exercise tests response to major accident

Airman Basic Timothy Oliver, 338th Training Squadron “injured bystander,” surveys his injuries on scene during a major accident response exercise March 26, 2012, on I-81 across from the Marina at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. Prior to the exercise, those who volunteered to play the role of casualties were moulaged for a realistic effect. MAREs are conducted to test Keesler personnel’s response. MAREs are conducted to test Keesler personnel’s response. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

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Exercise tests response to major accident

Keesler firefighters respond on scene during a major accident response exercise March 26, 2012, on I-81 across from the Marina at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The exercise scenario included a Coast Guard MH-65C Dolphin helicopter crashing and causing a van to overturn resulting in four deaths and 13 injuries. MAREs are conducted to test Keesler personnel’s response. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
Exercise tests response to major accident

Keesler firefighters respond on scene during a major accident response exercise March 26, 2012, on I-81 across from the Marina at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The exercise scenario included a Coast Guard MH-65C Dolphin helicopter crashing and causing a van to overturn resulting in four deaths and 13 injuries. MAREs are conducted to test Keesler personnel’s response. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

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Exercise tests response to major accident

Members of the Keesler Medical Group conduct a search and recovery process during a major accident response exercise March 26, 2012, on I-81 across from the Marina at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The exercise scenario included a Coast Guard MH-65C Dolphin helicopter crashing and causing a van to overturn resulting in four deaths and 13 injuries. MAREs are conducted to test Keesler personnel’s response. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue)

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Major accident exercise tests Keesler's readiness

Published March 28, 2012
By Staff Sgt. Kimberly Rae Moore
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Keesler exhibited its response capability while conducting a Major Accident Response Exercise Monday.

A MARE can simulate a variety of events such as an aircraft crash, a hazardous spill, a terrorist attack or an explosion.

In this MARE, Keesler personnel responded to a simulated scenario in which a U.S. Coast Guard HH-65 Dolphin aircraft crashed into an occupied van just outside of Marina Park at the I-81 running track where other personnel were performing physical training.

Prior to the exercise kick off, those who volunteered to play the role of causalities were moulaged for a realistic effect.

The crash simulated four deaths and 13 injuries. This tested emergency responders, the 81st Medical Group staff and other supporting units basewide.

"A lot of the exercise is command and control," said Thane Halsey 81st Training Wing installation exercise program office chief. "The big players in the exercise are personnel from the fire department, security forces and the medical group but other units will also have pieces of the puzzle."

"It's training," he said. "It goes back to testing the installation's readiness. In the event of an actual accident or emergency we have to be prepared to respond."

The Air Force trains daily to meet our nation's requirements for rapid response to crises throughout the world. These exercises ensure we meet Air Education and Training Command's mission to develop America's Airmen today...for tomorrow.