KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Kirtland Air Force Base concluded a comprehensive week-long incident response training exercise, designed to test and strengthen the base's ability to respond effectively to a variety of potential emergencies. The exercise, held annually, focused on interagency coordination and preparedness for a simulated aircraft accident.
The exercise provided an opportunity for local, state, and federal agencies to collaborate and refine emergency response procedures, reinforcing the critical relationships necessary for effective whole-of-government operations.
"Interagency collaboration is essential to maintaining a high level of military readiness, and response task force exercises demonstrate our ability to work seamlessly with mission partners,” said Maj. Gen. Stacy Huser, Twentieth Air Force commander. “These exercises provide invaluable opportunities to refine our coordination, ensuring we can respond effectively to any scenario and safeguard national security."
This year's exercise involved a simulated aircraft crash. This scenario is one of the worst possible, and preparedness for this is absolutely vital to the safety and security of everyone. Exercises like this help ensure the readiness of Kirtland personnel as well as allowing those involved an opportunity to see how their piece works in the bigger picture. While incidents are uncommon and unlikely, being prepared is crucially important to national security.