MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Airmen and emergency response agencies from across the base participated in a major accident response exercise (MARE) to evaluate their ability to respond to a large-scale emergency at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, July 29, 2026.
The exercise focused on the installation’s ability to quickly contain and mitigate the effects of a large-scale fuel spill while protecting personnel, resources and the surrounding community. Responders worked through a complex scenario involving hazardous material containment, emergency coordination and environmental protection efforts, practicing procedures designed to limit the spread of contamination and reduce potential impacts beyond the installation.
The 23d Wing Inspector General inspections office partnered with the Defense Logistics Agency and coordinated with subject matter experts across the base to develop a scenario that challenged responders with multiple simultaneous emergencies. The exercise simulated a catastrophic fuel spill during severe weather conditions, requiring emergency personnel to balance environmental response efforts with a vehicle accident involving simulated casualties.
“The fire department’s portion of that was to mitigate both those incidents,” said Jeremy Valler, 23d Civil Engineer Squadron fire department assistant chief of training. “It was to protect the environment, but once we had the vehicle accident, it became life safety for those victims while simultaneously mitigating the fuel spill.”
Responders established an incident command system within minutes of arriving on scene, allowing military and civilian agencies to coordinate resources and communicate effectively throughout the exercise.
Evaluators observed response efforts throughout the exercise, documenting strengths and identifying opportunities for improvement. Teams assessed emergency response operations, incident command actions, evacuation procedures, Emergency Operations Center operations and environmental response considerations.
“Every unit or agency has objectives they would like to accomplish.” said Tech. Sgt. Casey Evans, 23d Wing IG exercise planner., “We strive to create a scenario that incorporates all of them while keeping to the original goal.”
Exercises such as the MARE help identify procedural and interagency coordination issues before a real emergency occurs while providing valuable experience for Airmen in their respective career fields.
“It helps the Wing iron out procedure issues and interagency issues that otherwise wouldn’t necessarily be identified until an actual event takes place,” Evans said. “It also gives valuable experience to newer personnel that they can then leverage in potential future events.”
Preparedness extends beyond emergency responders, with every Airman contributing to an effective response.
“We practice this so that if one does unfortunately happen, we can support the emergency responders and help the wounded and victims of the accident,” Evans said.
The exercise reinforced Moody AFB’s commitment to maintaining a trained and ready force capable of responding effectively while protecting personnel, resources and the surrounding community.
“The exercise successfully validated the seamless coordination between the 23d Wing’s emergency operators, civil engineers, logistics personnel, and medical responders, ensuring the base is fully prepared to safeguard both military and civilian personnel, surrounding community, and local natural resources like the Grand Bay Swamp,” Evans said. “By rigorously evaluating these critical response and long-term recovery procedures, Moody Air Force Base continues to hone its operational readiness while reinforcing its deep commitment to environmental stewardship and community safety.”