CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. — Airmen assigned to the 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing participated in a non-combatant evacuation operation scenario Dec. 12 at Desert Rock Airport, Nevada.  

Approximately 30 Airmen role played as embassy evacuees via two MV-22 Ospreys in order to assist the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit in a NEO scenario for an upcoming deployment.

U.S. Navy Corpsmen trained Airmen on self-aid and buddy care and Airmen had a chance to apply training to a simulated mass casualty event during the NEO.

The scenario included the detonation of a suicide bomber, which required Airmen to quickly respond and aid the 15th MEU with their evacuation efforts.

“We are making sure the Air Force is capable in case of an emergency if stationed with Marines or Navy personnel and making sure that they’re comfortable with mass casualty drills, what we do and what we expect,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Lauren, 15th MEU hospital Corpsman.

Lauren said they conducted tourniquet drills to ensure everyone knew how to apply them in a correct and efficient manner.

U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class James Thompson

A Marine with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit rests during a non-combatant evacuation operation scenario Dec. 12, 2016, at Desert Rock Airport, Nev. Creech Air Force Base Airmen trained alongside Marine and Navy personnel and assisted in pre-deployment training.

Along with SABC, Airmen also learned the MARCH (massive hemorrhaging, airway, respiration, circulation and hypothermia) algorithm for casualty assessment.

When asked about the benefit of joint exercises, Lauren said, “Partnership throughout the branches is very important. When you’ve been deployed and working with different branches, we have to make sure training is seamless and flawless.”

The scenario allowed Airmen to experience pre-deployment training from a different service perspective.
“It’s an awesome opportunity and it’s something we don’t get to do often,” said Staff Sgt. Larry, 432nd Operations Support Squadron airspace scheduler. “We helped get the helicopters on the range, so it was pretty cool to see the exercise happen. Normally, my position is kind of in the background. It’s great to get out here and help.”

U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class James Thompson

A Sailor with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit instructs Airmen on self-aid and buddy care techniques Dec. 12, 2016, at Desert Rock Airport, Nev. Airmen were taught casualty assessment with the MARCH algorithm, which stands for massive hemorrhaging, airway, respiration, circulation and hypothermia.

In addition to simulating a NEO and conducting a simulated mass casualty event, the 15th MEU was able to certify two full aircrews in air evacuation and fulfill mission requirements in a realistic environment.

Due to the remote location of Creech Air Force Base and the surrounding Nevada Test and Training Range, Desert Rock Airport, it serves as an ideal location for pre-deployment training. Not only did Creech AFB Airmen take the opportunity to volunteer for the exercise, they were also able to experience NEO training from a different perspective working alongside Marine and Navy personnel.
 

U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class James Thompson

A pilot with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit looks onward Dec. 12, 2016, at Desert Rock Airport, Nev. The pilot waited to evacuate embassy role players as Marines finished processing Creech Air Force Base Airmen during a non-combatant evacuation operation scenario.

U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class James Thompson

Airmen assigned to the 432nd Wing/432nd Air Expeditionary Wing enter an MV-22 Osprey Dec. 12, 2016, at Desert Rock Airport, Nev. Creech Air Force Base Airmen were exercise participants during a non-combatant evacuation operation scenario evacuated via two MV-22 Ospreys.

U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class James Thompson

An MV-22 Osprey sits on the runway Dec. 12, 2016, at Desert Rock Airport, Nev. Two Ospreys were used in pre-deployment training to evacuate Creech Air Force Base Airmen, who were acting as embassy workers during a non-combatant evacuation operation scenario.