Photo By Staff Sgt. Alexis Orozco | Arizona Air National Guard, Tech. Sgt. Peter Zuniga member of the 91st Civil Support...... read more read more
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. – When disaster strikes, there’s no time to hesitate. Whether facing a chemical spill, a biological threat, or an unknown hazardous material, emergency responders must be ready to react in an instant. That’s why service members from the 944th Fighter Wing suited up and joined forces with multiple military and civilian agencies for a high-intensity, hands-on hazmat training exercise.
This joint training, hosted by the 161st Air Refueling Wing, was about force integration, preparing for real-world emergencies, focusing on chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and hazardous materials (CBRN) threats. The annual exercise challenged the Reserve Citizen Airmen to refine their skills, strengthen partnerships, and reinforce their ability to respond at a moment’s notice.
Strength in Joint Training
Master Sgt. Brett Sanchez, Emergency Manager with the 161st ARW, emphasized the collaborative nature of the event, which has steadily grown in scope and participation.
“What started as small-scale training has expanded because of the enthusiasm and commitment from different units,” said Sanchez. “This year, we grew from six participants to 24, and our goal is to keep expanding, bringing in even more agencies like local fire departments and bomb squads.”
The training followed National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 472 standards, ensuring participants met the Department of Defense’s rigorous requirements for hazardous materials response. The exercise included real-world scenarios such as a simulated chemical release, challenging Airmen to assess the situation, don full protective suits, and execute response protocols under high-stress conditions.
The execution of this integrated training showcases the unity and shared purpose of America’s Fighting Force. Working alongside National Guard and active-duty counterparts, these Reserve Citizen Airmen are building interoperability and ensuring they are prepared to operate seamlessly in any environment.
Building Readiness for Real-World Emergencies
For the 944th FW’s emergency management team, the exercise reinforced the vital role of cross-unit collaboration in disaster response. Tech. Sgt. Librete Reyes, 944th FW Civil Engineering Squadron emergency management specialist, highlighted how joint training fosters interoperability.
“This training helps us get familiar with the teams we might work with in a real-world emergency,” explained Reyes. “Building those relationships in a controlled environment means that when an actual disaster strikes, we get familiar with who we will work with.”
Reyes, who has 12 years of experience in emergency management, underscored the physical and mental demands of hazmat operations. Wearing Level A protective suits and using self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA), trainees had to navigate heat, reduced dexterity, and limited visibility—conditions that mirror the challenges of real-life hazardous material incidents.
This training directly supports the Air Force’s priority of ensuring Airmen meet the highest standard of readiness. Every individual is judged on their merit, professionalism, and commitment to the mission.
Forging the Next Generation of Responders
For some, like Senior Airman Jorge Tremillio, 944th FW Civil Engineering Squadron emergency management specialist, this was his first time participating in this exercise. Tremillio, who has served in emergency management for three years, found the training invaluable.
“We go in whenever there’s an emergency and try to manage the threat. It’s a lot of responsibility,” said Tremillio. “I look forward to learning more, and this hands-on experience helps develop the mindset as an emergency responder.”
Looking Ahead
As the exercise concluded, participants walked away with enhanced confidence in their abilities and a renewed commitment to readiness. The success of this year’s training has laid the foundation for even greater collaboration in the future.
“We’re going to keep making this bigger and better,” said Sanchez. “Each year, we want to push the training further, bring in new partners, and ensure that our teams are prepared for anything.”
For the Airmen of the 944th FW, this exercise was more than just another training event—it was a demonstration of their commitment to always being mission-ready. Whether responding to a local incident or deploying to a new environment, their ability to seamlessly integrate with joint partners ensures they are always ready to Fly, Fight, and Win—whenever and wherever duty calls.
The Department of Defense’s mission is clear – to deter war and, if necessary, win the nation’s wars. This training reaffirms that commitment, ensuring that every service member is prepared to defend our homeland, allies, and American way of life.
| Date Taken: | 01.31.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 03.15.2025 11:38 |
| Story ID: | 492814 |
| Location: | PHOENIX, ARIZONA, US |
| Web Views: | 67 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, When Seconds Matter: 944th FW Trains for Emergency Response, by SSgt Alexis Orozco, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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