'Blackjacks' train for emergency response

BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. (7/23/2009) - The Colorado Army National Guard Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Explosive (CBRNe) Consequence Management Reaction Force (CCMRF) tested their capabilities to effectively respond to national emergencies during the National Emergency Response Exercise by launching UH-60 Black Hawk and CH-47 Chinook helicopters from the Army Aviation Support Facility at Buckley Air Force Base July 23.

The Aviation Task Force responded to simulated events throughout Colorado to validate its responsibility as a CCMRF support element. Aircraft and personnel from the Nebraska Army National Guard also participated.

Following an opening scenario of a nuclear blast near Centennial Airport, a food riot broke out at Pepsi Center. Flight crews from the COARNG 2nd Battalion, 135th General Support Aviation "Blackjacks" picked up simulated casualties and flew them to various medical facilities around Denver and Colorado Springs.

"We're looking for (the CBRNe's forward element) response time," said Lt. Col. Tom Ritz, head evaluator of the exercise for the Premobilization Training Assessment Evaluation Element. "We're looking for how they evaluate the casualties. We're looking at how they set up their command and control and integrate in with the other agencies that will be a part of the exercise."

The "Blackjacks" were appointed by the Secretary of Defense to be the Aviation Task Force for the continental United States which will support CCMRF teams around the country. They are the first Guard unit to be delegated this responsibility which has only been assigned to active duty U.S. Army units in the past.

The Aviation Task Force is responsible for responding to situations such as chemical, biological, nuclear, radiological or high explosive emergencies that result due to natural disasters, accidental incidents, or terrorist attacks.

"This exercise is simulating any type of natural disaster or maybe even another 9/11," said Capt. Steven Heintz, 2/135th assistant training officer. "This is what we prepare for before it happens so we can get our response time down and go through everything that needs to be taken care of."

The exercise involves coordination with numerous emergency response organizations throughout the state. The variety of missions requires versatility in adapting to the needs of different departments.

"We try to do as many exercises as we can with (the National Guard)," said Denver Fire Department Lt. Mark Wiederrich. "A good working relationship with them is something that we strive for."

The casualties were played by Civil Air Patrol cadets ranging in age from 12 to 21 years old. The participation of CAP cadets is highly valuable because of their pre-military training and prior experience.

"We do it every six, seven weeks when someone needs it, whether it be Air Guard or Army Guard or Air Force," said CAP Capt. Scott Orr. "They like to use us because our people can follow orders and follow instructions."

Orr said that the role playing pays off for most of the cadets while they're participating.

"It gives our people a chance to fly in helicopters they don't normally get to fly in," Orr said. "They're thrilled. It gives them a chance to do some military flying that other people don't get to do, so that's their payment for volunteering. The payment is the fun you get to have."

More than 400 Soldiers took part in all of the day's operations at the various sites in Denver and Colorado Springs.

Spc. Mokeeze Muwanga, a 2/135th medic, said the training was critical for preparing for real-world scenarios.

"A lot of people become complacent because they don't get to practice their common tasks," Muwanga said. "By practicing our tasks, we can actually do a real-world scenario in the event that it does happen."