DC and West Virginia National Guard among several states and territories in support of historic African Leaders Summit

Courtesy Photo | The West Virginia Guard CERFP monitors radio and overseas events during the African Leaders Summit from the D.C. National Guard Joint Force Headquarters in Washington, D.C., Aug. 5, 2014. The CERFPs are composed of existing National Guard units and must be ready to within six hours of notification.  

WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES

08.10.2014

Story by Lt. Col. Kevin McAndrews 

DC National Guard

WASHINGTON – During the largest-ever gathering of African leaders in the nation’s capital, most federal workers were given the order to telecommute or even take leave if possible to cut down on traffic congestion and confusion in the capitol.

But behind the summit scenes some government workers were tasked to step up their efforts rather than stay home; they put together an emergency support team that was prepared to respond to threats ranging from biological weapons to nuclear event.

The D.C. Guard’s 33rd Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team led the task force of Guard personnel from 9 other states and two U.S. territories, before, during and after the summit. The teams have capabilities to identify chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear agents and substances, assess current and projected consequences and advise civilian authorities about response measures.

As President Barack Obama welcomed leaders of nearly all of Africa’s nations during the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit – which brought heads of states, lawmakers, business leaders, development organizations and government officials together for a three day meeting here Aug. 4-6 – the group of Airmen and Soldiers quietly stood by to respond in a worst-case scenario.

“I’m proud of the awesome job our Guard members did in support of the summit,” said Maj. Gen. Errol R. Schwartz, commanding general of the D.C. National Guard. “The cooperation between the Guard and civilian authorities during this historic event was outstanding.”

Members from the National Guard Civil Support Teams, or CSTs, from Georgia, West Virginia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Minnesota, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Virginia and Wisconsin provided augmentation support to the 33rd CST.

In addition to the CSTs, more than 160 personnel from the West Virginia Guard were on standby at the D.C. National Guard Armory in case of an emergency. The West Virginia Guard’s Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear Enhanced Response Force Package, or CERFP, was paired with the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services and other first-responders to respond to any emergency.

“The West Virginia CERFP was trained and ready to work with District and Federal agencies to support the national capital region in case of natural or man-made disasters,” West Virginia’s Command Sgt. Major Derick Ford said.

Ford said the CERFP’s emergency response capabilities included search and extraction, decontamination and medical support “to save lives, alleviate suffering and preserve property should an emergency occur.”

There are 57 CSTs across the country, and typically include a 22-member team that assists local authorities and provides additional support during times of emergency or use of suspected weapons of mass destruction.

Because of their specialized capabilities, they are a close knit community. said Lt. Col. Jonathan Ebbert, commander of the 33rd CST. The camaraderie makes teaming together for large events seamless, he said. Within hours of wrapping its support of the summit, the task force conducted an exercise in Lorton, Va., using the West Virginia CERFP in a simulated attack.

“Our real-world assignment in support of the African meeting followed by the CERFP exercise ends an intense week of operations for us,” Colonel Ebbert said. “Besides combining the forces of several states during the week-long operation we were able to conduct an important exercise and prepare for future responses.”

Ebbert said building relationships between the other states and interagency partners has made the Guard’s combined capabilities even stronger. There will be many more events ahead where the CSTs and the CERFP will work together throughout the nation, he said, and the lessons learned become invaluable when it comes to protecting the homeland.

• Date Taken: 08.10.2014
• Date Posted: 08.10.2014 16:20
• Story ID: 138914
• Location: WASHINGTON, DC, US