Planning for Disaster

The full-scale exercise was a culmination of the Installation Protection Program (IPP). IPP was launched by Commander Navy Installations Command (CNIC) to prepare Commander Navy Region Southeast (CNRSE), NAS Jacksonville, NS Mayport and NSB Kings Bay. Ga. in the event of an actual disaster. The disaster drill gave base officials the opportunity to test the base's emergency response capabilities as well as train Sailor's and civilian workers on how to respond to a CBRNE attack.

The simulated attack included poisonous chorine gas that was dispersed on the base along with a separate bomb that released radiation. The scenario involved numerous casualties due to the explosion, gas and radiation burns. First responders included the NAS Jax Fire Department, Security and Naval Hospital Jax medical personnel.

During an emergency the emergency operations center (EOC) acts as the 'command center' for the base. Once the drill commenced the EOC alerted personnel on the base by announcing over the giant voice mass notification system that the base was in condition "REDCOM DELTA." All personnel were instructed to go inside, close windows and shut off air conditioning units.

Photo by MC2(AW) Suzi Cornell Sailors participate in a full scale exercise during a chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, explosives exercise June 26 at NAS Jax. MC2 susan Cornell

Key players including NAS Jax's commanding officer, executive officer, command master chief, fire department,

security, safety and public affairs personnel were hard at work solving important issues.

"The EOC's mission is to support responders in the field and the responders mission is to protect the base. This drill allowed us to learn how to handle terrorism here at home. The war on terrorism makes us vulnerable and a target," said Disaster Preparedness Coordinator DCC(SW/AW) Darryl Melton.

Base security, medical and the fire departments participation was set up full scale. The explosion along with the radiation caused a great deal of casualties. Some victims were hosed off and had to pass through a decontamination shower to ensure they were rid of any contaminants on their bodies.

Medical set up three triage stations by color. Red for acute, life threatening cases; yellow for intermediate injuries and green for less serious issues. Victims were lying around the field with tags on them to let rescue personnel know what their injuries were. Some victims had only minor injuries but there were more serious cases for the rescue personnel to tackle. After being accessed by Navy doctors, corpsman and paramedics, victims were transported on stretcher-bearers to the triage station according to their injuries.

Photo by MC2(AW) Suzi Cornell Two firefighters, suited up in chemical protective clothing, investigate a simulated gas leak.

Medical transportation officer HM1(FMF/DV/PJ) John Navarro coordinated with NAS Jax Hospital sending victims via ambulance for treatment.

"The drill allowed us to evaluate our actual emergency response team. If the hospital could not support the influx of patients, we would then transport them to surrounding area hospitals for treatment. The drill also provided the naval hospital an opportunity to satisfy a required yearly certification related to mass casualties," stated Navarro.

The American Red Cross also participated in the drill. Don Rosenberry along with other American Red Cross volunteers acted as a support team feeding and keeping personnel hydrated.

"We just didn't want to see any real casualties as a result of the heat, we are glad to be here to help out," said Rosenberry. After the drill the American Red Cross provided all participants with lunch.

Photo by MC2(AW) Suzi Cornell MA2 Angela Watson and her Military Working Dog Ceasar check for secondary explosive devices during the drill.

Two evolutions were staged earlier this year in preparation for the disaster that included a table-top drill in January and a functional exercise in May. Both drills allowed the base to work out any kinks if an actual disaster were to occur on the base.

According to Melton, now that the drills are over the base is considered to be in the sustainment phase. "To help enhance the capability of the EOC some new equipment including flat panel monitors will be installed giving the EOC the ability to do video teleconferencing (VTC)," he said.

"VTC will aid the EOC by enabling them to communicate with other installations. This is especially important when dealing with bases that are in close vicinity to a disaster. Some minor equipment issues need to be worked on, however, the drill enabled us to train, learn and make necessary improvements. Overall the drill was a highly successful training evolution."