Lajes Airmen prove readiness during major accident exercise

  • Published
  • By 65th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
  • Staff Report
LAJES FIELD, Azores --  Members of the 65th Air Base Wing and the Portuguese Air Force participated in a major accident response exercise here Aug. 23, 2013. The exercise tested the ability of Team Lajes to respond jointly in the event of an aircraft accident.
 
In the scenario a U.S. Air Force aircraft crashed during a wheels up landing on Lajes' airfield.  The exercise included a response to the incident, extinguishing an aircraft fire and preparing the scene for an investigation into the cause of the mishap.  First responders to the mock aircraft accident included firefighters, medics and security forces personnel among others.

Military readiness is one of the focus areas for the 65th ABW.  The wing completes monthly exercises and training days to ensure that Lajes Airmen are prepared to deploy, respond to emergencies or operate in a contingency situation.