Airmen help local community host annual airport exercise

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Spencer Gallien
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Moody Airmen joined together with local and state agencies to exercise the Valdosta Regional Airport's hazardous response abilities Saturday, July 18. 

The 23rd Civil Engineer Squadron's Explosive Ordnance Disposal flight and 23rd Wing Command Post along with numerous volunteers from across base linked up with Lowndes County officials, local Police and many other agencies to perform mutual aid during a hostage-situation exercise. 

"It's important for Moody to participate during these types of exercises," said Ken Spears, 23rd Wing emergency manager. "The military professionalism of all our Airmen really helps these types of exercises run smoothly. 

Despite the weather, more than 40 Airmen volunteered their time to help Lowndes County officials put on a successful exercise. 

"Although the exercise was cut short due to weather, it was still a success," said Ashley Tye, Lowndes County emergency management director. "We will go back and talk about lessons learned, and move forward from there." 

Each year Lowndes County is required to host one full scale exercise at the airport to help examine their plans, policies and any issues that may arise. 

This year, Moody volunteers were given the chance to role play both hostages and aggressors. 

The EOD flight was on call for a planned improvised explosive devise situation as well. However, the inclement weather forced the cancellation of the exercise before EOD was called in. 

"Although we had to cut the exercise off just about half way through, it was still a success," said Mr. Spears. "EOD was in place and ready to respond when needed. All of the Airmen who volunteered were extremely professional, and helped Lowndes County and their mutual partners put on a good exercise."