MARE highlights on- and off-base collaboration

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Samuel Taylor
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  In almost any disaster scenario, there are unsung heroes; the people who did not make the front page, but nevertheless made a difference, and possibly saved lives.

While many regard the Aug. 20-22 Major Accident Response Exercise at Dover Air Force Base, Del., as a strictly military affair, there was a significant off-base presence that, exercise evaluators and participants say, was an invaluable portion of the disaster response efforts.

"[Team Dover] relies on its partnerships with local emergency-response agencies to serve its personnel during exercises and real-world scenarios," said Maj. Dave Boytim, chief of 436th Airlift Wing plans and programs. "Dover [AFB]'s emergency teams can only handle so many people; without support from the off-base agencies, our people would have their hands full."

The exercise scenarios, which ranged from suspicious-package investigation to bio-hazard cleanup, challenged emergency personnel to respond to crises while maintaining the appropriate security conditions.

Approximately 45 off-base medical, law enforcement and fire prevention personnel participated in the MARE. Colin Faulkner, the chief of public safety for Kent County, Del., said the MARE helped off-base emergency-response agencies optimize the responses that would occur during a real-world situation.

"This exercise was a great opportunity to identify areas of improvement when working within a military command structure," said Faulkner. "With the lessons we learned working with the Air Force, we will be able to better serve the base and our local communities."

Dover AFB's off-base partners' efforts did not go unnoticed. Should the worst happen, emergency personnel at Dover AFB may rest assured that they can count on additional manpower and resources from their friends in the local community.

"The successful completion of this exercise can be largely attributed to the excellent partnership between on- and off-base emergency personnel; we should all feel proud of our performance," said Col. Cal Mercer, vice commander of the 436th Airlift Wing. "Local, state and base teamwork during exercises like the MARE enables us to strengthen a relationship crucial to the safety of our community."