7th Bomb Wing, APD SWAT test joint capabilities

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Robert Wollenberg
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The 7th Bomb Wing along with Abilene Police Department SWAT conducted a quarterly training exercise June 10 here to ensure the base is prepared to handle a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or explosive incident. 

An explosive device was the focus of this CBRNE incident. A hostage crisis situation was also incorporated into the scenario to maximize training opportunities for all base personnel, said Lt. Col. Bryan Isley, 7th Bomb Wing director of plans and treaties. 

"Emergency responders had opportunities to practice their skills and work with off-base participants," the colonial said. "Command and control elements were able to successfully work through the scenario, and all base personnel were able to demonstrate situational awareness of the incident as it developed." 

Dyess conducts exercises throughout the year to maintain skill levels and readiness posture to respond to all types of incidents; i.e. active shooters, terrorist attacks, aircraft crashes, severe weather, etc. 

The scenario involved an Airman who, after having difficulties with deployments and family life, chose to build a large explosive device and take several people hostage in order to gain attention regarding his problems. 

"Our security forces personnel did a fantastic job responding to the situation as it developed, coordinating with the APD SWAT unit and keeping the situation well under control," said Colonel Isley. "The APD SWAT unit is first class and provides Dyess and Abilene with a capability no one wants to use but we should feel safer knowing they are here and always ready." 

One aspect that worked well and may be developed as a new practice was standing up the Installation Control Center. The ICC combines the Crisis Action Team, formerly known as the Battle Staff, made up of the senior leaders on base, the Emergency Operations Center, and Command Post into one group and co-locates them in the same building. 

"We had never practiced this before and it worked so well that we may adopt it as a standard procedure during these types of events," Colonel Isley said. 

APD SWAT was the primary downtown participant for this event. 

"The SWAT unit is a highly trained and professional team that always performs extraordinarily well," Colonel Isley said. "This exercise was no exception. They were able to rapidly respond to our request for assistance. This scenario not only provided a valuable opportunity for training on their part, but helped to further develop and deepen the working relationship our own Security Forces maintain with the APD."