2d Bomb Wing exercises to maintain standards

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Alexandra M. Sandoval
  • 2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  More than 40 Barksdale 2d Security Forces Squadron members completed a Nuclear Surety Exercise June 3 when they were extensively evaluated during three different scenarios. 

An NSE is an exercise the 2d Bomb Wing uses to prepare for higher headquarters inspections. Air Force and Air Combat Command officials require the highest possible standards of individual Airmen performing duties associated with the safety, surety and reliability of strategic weapons. 

"The 2d SFS provides area security for protection level assets and immediate response capabilities to deter any overt and covert threats," said Kenneth Webb, 2d SFS chief of standardization and evaluation. 

Scenarios are built to give the 2d SFS a realistic training environment allowing security forces personnel to encounter various threats. 

Scenarios the 2d SFS were involved included aircraft generation security, establishment of Protection Level-1 security areas, denial of access to Protection Level-1 assets, and recapture and recovery actions. 

The 2d Medical Group provided medical assistance during the medical response portion of the exercise. The scenario was an individual had an unexpected heart attack and security personnel on-scene had to stabilize the victim as medics proceeded on scene.
 
The second scenario was a general-entry denial. A high speed vehicle with hostile passengers pulled up to the perimeter. Security forces left three dead and one was taken under apprehension. 

During the third scenario, security forces provided the upmost security with a recapture and recovery method around a B-52H Stratofortress. Explosive Ordnance Disposal responded after security forces cleared the area. 

"EOD's main job during the recapture and recovery scenario was go in and disarm the device as well as to make sure there were no other devices left in the aircraft," said Staff Sgt. Bernard Sabatini, 2d Civil Engineering Squadron EOD technician. 

"The exercise was a job-well done," said Senior Master Sgt. David Johnson, 2d SFS superintendent. "This type of exercise is very important to the Air Force. We had the opportunity to train and test to meet standards for upcoming inspections. We look forward to more exercises as well as upcoming staff visits in the future." 

The participating team trained everyday for approximately two weeks leading up to the exercise 

"I think we did well considering we only had a couple of weeks to prepare for the exercise," said Senior Airman Rebecca Herren, 2d SFS entry controller. 

According to Mr. Webb, the NSE's schedule is based on what the 2d Bomb Wing commander believes is needed for the wing to accomplish its mission to prepare for future inspections and nuclear deterrent readiness.