YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Throughout the week, units across the 374th Airlift Wing (AW) practiced various multi-capable Airmen concepts with very focused goals, but they all came together to participate in a major accident response exercise May 11.
The Major Accident Response Exercise (MARE), which was the largest exercise of this type in Yokota history, simulated an F-16 Fighting Falcon crash scenario to test the base and its partners combined response.
“The simulation is to practice a worst-case scenario,” said Maj. Christopher Wolff, 374th Airlift Wing flight safety chief. “Flying is very safe, which the military practices extensively and we are very good at it, but mishaps can happen. We need to be ready to respond as quickly and efficiently as possible to preserve life and minimize property damage.”
To help make this event the largest MARE for Yokota, the base had support from Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Misawa Air Base and Tokyo Fire Department, Fussa Fire Station.
“The purpose of the major accident response exercise is joint integration to prepare for an accident,” said Lt. Col. Scott Hendrix, 374th AW safety chief. “The expectation for the team as they respond to the major accident response exercise today is to essentially do what they would do in a real-world scenario. We want them to run all their checklist, perform all their collaborations and make their calls that are required in these circumstances to make sure that every functional area of the base for the mishap response is doing what they are supposed to do.”
Yokota and its partners performed firefighting techniques, medical care and aircraft recovery, to practice all necessary actions and ensure a successful exercise response.