MARE

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. – Firefighters assigned to the 2d Civil Engineer Squadron provide care to a simulated casualty during a Major Accident Response Exercise here April 16. The MARE was conducted to test the readiness of emergency response personnel in the event of an accident during the upcoming air show. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Chad Warren) (RELEASED)

MARE

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. –Master Sgt. Pamela Browning, 2d Medical Group, provides care to a simulated casualty during a Major Accident Response Exercise here April 16. The MARE was conducted to test the readiness of emergency response personnel in the event of an accident during the upcoming air show. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Chad Warren) (RELEASED)

MARE

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. – Senior Airman Shana Simmons, 2d Security Forces Squadron, simulates apprehending a protester for trying to gain entry to the flight line during a Major Accident Response Exercise here April 16. The MARE was conducted to test the readiness of emergency response personnel in the event of an accident during the upcoming air show. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Chad Warren) (RELEASED)

MARE

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. – Airman 1st Class Bryenna Brooks, 2d Medical Operations Squadron, provides care for a simulated injury during a Major Accident Response Exercise here April 16. The MARE was conducted to test the readiness of emergency response personnel in the event of an accident during the upcoming air show. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Chad Warren) (RELEASED)

MARE

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. – Col. Steven Basham, 2d Bomb Wing commander, speaks to local media following a Major Accident Response Exercise here April 16. The MARE was conducted to test the readiness of emergency response personnel in the event of an accident during the upcoming air show. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Chad Warren) (RELEASED)

Barksdale tests emergency-response skills

Published April 16, 2010
By Staff Sgt. John Gordinier
2d Bomb Wing Public Affairs

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Barksdale and local first responders honed their skills during a major accident response exercise here April 16 in preparation for the upcoming "Defenders of Liberty" Air Show April 24 - 25.

"A MARE tests our ability to respond to an accident and in this scenario we had a simulated aircraft crash," said Col. Steven Basham, 2d Bomb Wing commander.

At approximately 9 a.m., loud bangs were heard immediately followed by smoke on the edge of the flight line, simulating an aircraft crash. This triggered the start of the MARE.

The 2d Security Forces Squadron, fire department, 2d Medical Group as well as base and local community emergency personnel immediately responded by securing the area, putting out fires and tending to simulated injuries and casualties.

"The exercise went great," Colonel Basham said. "We are very excited to open up the base and provide an air show here and one thing I am very serious about is safety. We bring in a lot of people to this installation for air shows and we are responsible for their safety. After the MARE today, I am confident that we are able and ready to respond to an accident if it ever occurs.

"Rest assured that we have done everything possible to ensure the safety and welfare of the spectators, and if unfortunately something happens, we're ready to respond," Colonel Basham said.

For more information on the Barksdale "Defenders of Liberty" Air Show, visit www.barksdaleafbairshow.com