Misawa Sailors Receive Radiation Detection Training

By By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jose Lopez, Naval Air Facility Misawa Public Affairs

MISAWA, Japan (NNS) -- The Radiological Controls Team (RADCON) trained 17 Sailors and Airmen at Misawa Air Base to perform Radiological Survey Team duties on Naval Air Facility Misawa (NAFM), Japan, April 13.

The RADCON team, typically stationed aboard ships and shore installations throughout the world, was called to Misawa to perform radiation checks on aircraft and personnel flying missions in support of Operation Tomodachi.

"We are training the Sailors in radiation control," said Chief Electronics Technician Mike Sanguinet, temporarily deployed to NAFM from Naval Shipyard Pearl Harbor. "They are going to learn surveying, monitoring, and decontamination. This way they can take over the job we've been doing when we leave.

"The most important part of the lecture is personnel and aircraft decontamination," said Sanguinet, a resident of Honolulu. "That's what they would be doing the most. All the other lectures are theory and equipment familiarization."

The three-day course is designed to give the Sailors a look at the types of instruments they will use in case they are asked to form a Radiological Survey Team.

"Now Misawa will have the people who can answer the call at a moment's notice," said Sanguinet. "They are permanent party. Each division will have personnel who can conduct the checks and testing needed in case a situation arises."

"We are now familiar with the radiological equipment," said Aviation Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Iasrealia Berns, attached to Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Detachment Misawa. "Should the occasion arise, I will be able to perform the job."