Six airmen from the New Jersey Air National Guard’s 177th Fighter Wing were sent to the hospital Aug. 25 after being exposed to chemicals from an F-16’s emergency power system. The airmen were working on the aircraft at about 2:30 p.m. at the Atlantic City International Airport when a line ruptured, according to the Press of Atlantic City. The airmen were taken to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center as a precaution because of possible exposure to a hydrazine byproduct, the Press reported.
Airmen and Guardians in the Active and Reserve component, as well as civilian employees, in “mission critical and high-risk populations” are now required to receive influenza vaccinations annually to “preserve force readiness,” according to a recent Department of the Air Force memo.