Misawa Sailors Receive Radiation Detection Training

Photo By Chief Petty Officer Jose Lopez | Petty Officer 3rd Class Bren Abelgas, aviation support equipment technician, right, attached to Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Detachment, Misawa, and a native of San Diego, receives instruction on how to use the IM-265 beta/ gamma detector from Petty Officer 1st Class Ryan Sherfey, machinist’s mate, attached to Nuclear Regional Maintenance Department, Norfolk, Va., and a native of Kentland, Ind. The radiological controls team is training Misawa-based sailors how to survey, detect and decontaminate personnel and aircraft that have been exposed to radiation.  

MISAWA, AOMORI, JAPAN

04.14.2011

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Jose Lopez 

Naval Air Facility Misawa

NAVAL AIR FACILITY MISAWA, Japan - The radiological controls team trained 17 sailors and airmen at Misawa Air Base to perform the duties of a radiological survey team here, April 13, 2011.

The RADCON team, typically stationed aboard ships and shore installations throughout the world, was called to Misawa to perform radiation checks on aircraft and personnel flying missions in support of Operation Tomodachi.

“We are training the sailors in radiation control,” said Chief Petty Officer Mike Sanguinet, electronics technician, temporarily deployed to Naval Air Facility Misawa from Naval Shipyard Pearl Harbor. “They are going to learn surveying, monitoring, and decontamination. This way they can take over the job we’ve been doing when we leave.

“The most important part of the lecture is personnel and aircraft decontamination,” said Sanguinet, a resident of Honolulu. “That’s what they would be doing the most. All the other lectures are theory and equipment familiarization.”

The three-day course is designed to give the sailors a look at the types of instruments they will use in case they are asked to form a radiological survey team.

“Now Misawa will have the people who can answer the call at a moment’s notice,” said Sanguinet. “They are permanent party. Each division will have personnel who can conduct the checks and testing needed in case a situation arises.”

“We are now familiar with the radiological equipment,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Iasrealia Berns, aviation machinist’s mate, attached to Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Detachment Misawa. “Should the occasion arise, I will be able to perform the job.”

For more news from Naval Air Facility Misawa, visit https://www.cnic.navy.mil/misawa/index.htm or check out our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/nafmisawa.

• Date Taken: 04.14.2011
• Date Posted: 04.14.2011 00:42
• Story ID: 68716
• Location: MISAWA, AOMORI, JP