Exercise tests Travis with earthquake scenario

by Senior Airman Madelyn Brown
60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

7/18/2014 - TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif.  -- A base-wide exercise July 15 incorporated an earthquake emergency scenario on Travis Air Force Base that resulted in mass casualties, injuries and damage to facilities.

Travis resides in Northern California, an area of the country prone to this type of natural disaster.

"Yesterday's exercise was important because not only are we in a prime earthquake area, but Travis hosts vital national resources in the event of a major incident in the area," said Lt. Col. Cory Miller, 60th Mission Support Group deputy commander and Emergency Operations Center commander for the exercise. "No one ever hopes to put our abilities to practical use, but being able to demonstrate and improve our response in such an event is critical."

When multiple incidents occurred simultaneously due to the simulated magnitude 6.7 earthquake, approximately 100 first responders, including Airmen from security forces, the medical group and the fire department, were tasked to prioritize which should be handled first.

"The first responders needed to take care of the most important incidents first," said Dan Johnson, 60th Air Mobility Wing director of exercises and inspections. "Those would include the large scale mass casualty incidents, which occurred at the dining facility, and when the walkway collapsed in the 60th Communications Squadron facility."

In addition to those incidents, the earthquake scenario resulted in structural damages to base housing, as well as a fuel spill in the 60th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuel tank area.

"People did participate realistically, and they did very well," Johnson said. "Everyone displayed a sense of urgency throughout the exercise. A lot of good lessons were learned and positive reinforcement was provided for the actions that were done correctly."

In addition to the first responders, members from the disaster response force and support roles stood up to respond to the exercise. Many personnel also acted in the Wing Inspection Team role to assess the response to the natural disaster.

"I hope our ability to respond to a major earthquake isn't tested," Miller said. "But if it is, Team Travis will be ready and able to be the first to answer the call."

Johnson echoed this sentiment.

"The bottom line is, we do these exercises for a reason," Johnson said. "When the real thing happens we are prepared, and that saves lives."