Nellis AFB, Nev., held a major accident response exercise (MARE) to test the capability and response of first responders and emergency personnel in the event of a major incident, such as the 1988 collision of three Italian fighter jets during an airshow at Ramstein AB, Germany. During the event, airmen were called to respond to a simulated crash that killed or wounded more than 25 people. Firefighters from the 99th Civil Engineer Squadron responded to put out the fire, and security forces airmen helped spectators and maintain crowd control. Teams from the 99th Medical Group also set up a triage site and helped transport the wounded to facilities on and off base. Nellis officials graded the response as “effective.” The MARE event, a requirement for the installation in advance of its upcoming “open house,” benefits base response capabilities in a host of scenarios, Nellis officials said. “Although we hope a scenario like this never comes to fruition, it can happen any time,” said MSgt. Jeffrey Wyatt, the 99th Air Base Wing inspector general exercise planner. Wyatt said Nellis hosts many exercises, such as Red Flag, Green Flag, and the base’s training activities.
U.S. Southern Command recently announced its first lethal strike on a suspected narco-trafficking vessel in two months, and the first under a newly formed permanent counter-cartel task force. The U.S. is also reportedly planning to transfer MQ-9 drones to Colombia to bolster its counter-cartel efforts.