181IW-Tornado

U.S. Air Force Airmen with the Indiana Air National Guard, 181st Intelligence Wing, and an Indiana Army National Guard Soldier crowd in a locker room for shelter during an exercise at Hulman Field Air National Guard base, Ind., April 9, 2016. The exercise simulated an F-1 tornado passing through the base causing destruction to buildings and how the wing would respond. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Lonnie Wiram)

181IW-Tornado

U.S. Air Force Airmen with the Indiana Air National Guard, 181st Intelligence Wing tend to a fellow Airman’s injury during an exercise at Hulman Field Air National Guard base, Ind., April 9, 2016. The exercise simulated an F-1 tornado passing through the base causing destruction to buildings and how the wing would respond. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Lonnie Wiram)

181st Intelligence Wing participated in a natural disaster exercise

Published April 12, 2016
By Senior Airman Lonnie C. Wiram
181st Intelligence Wing/PA

HULMAN FIELD AIR NATIONAL GUARD, Ind. -- Members of the 181st Intelligence Wing participated in a natural disaster exercise during a scheduled unit training assembly April 9, 2016.

The exercise simulated an F-1 tornado passing through the base causing destruction to buildings and evaluated how the Wing would respond.

"The Wing occasionally trains and tests our ability to respond to major accidents, natural disasters, attacks, and use of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, or High-Yield Explosive (CBRNE) weapons or materials," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Hinkle, 181st IW Inspector General. "Today's exercise reinforces the training we have given our Airman and validates the plans that we have in place to ensure we are mission ready."

The primary purpose of the exercise was to enhance readiness, identify areas of improvement, and validate base level and unit plans for responding to a natural disaster or emergency, and the implementation of Emergency Management Core Capabilities.

"With the severe weather season upon us we can move forward with confidence that we are ready to execute our missions and mitigate natural disasters," said Lt. Col. Hinkle.

Disaster response is a key capability of the 181st, and the exercise ensured Airmen remain trained and equipped with skills to stabilize and improve the situation in the wake of a natural disaster.