Pilots train in contamination scenarios

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Diana Cossaboom | U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Chris Brown, 77th Fighter Squadron F-16CM Fighting Falcon pilot, is patted down with simulated decontamination powder by an 20th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment specialist during AFE decontamination training at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., Oct. 30, 2015. The AFE Airmen use powder and sprays to ensure the contaminate is mitigated and the process of removing equipment and clothing is efficient and safe. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Diana M. Cossaboom/Released)  

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, SC, UNITED STATES

11.03.2015

Story by Senior Airman Diana Cossaboom 

20th Fighter Wing

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. - The 20th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment Airmen provided decontamination training for 20th Fighter Wing pilots, Oct. 29, here.

The training provided pilots an opportunity to practice processing through a lightweight inflatable decontamination system in the event they are contaminated with chemicals from their aircraft or through the means of chemical warfare.

"Our job is to make sure when our pilots land, we are the first ones to see them and we are the first ones to make sure they get through (the decontamination system) and back home safely," said Senior Airman Cheyenne Feazelle, 20th OSS AFE specialist.

The decontamination process includes four stations where pilots go through one at a time and AFE Airmen diligently take contaminated equipment and clothing off each pilot, ensuring both pilot and AFE Airmen are not contaminated in the process.

"They make sure we know how to use our gear," said 1st Lt. Chris Brown, 77th Fighter Squadron pilot. "They make sure we are putting it on right every single day and that we are safe."

It can take pilots 30 to 45 minutes to process through the decontamination line. The entire time they are processing, the AFE Airmen are communicating with the pilots ensuring their safety and noting any health concerns.

"We perform the training every couple of months," said Feazelle. "Pilots have to do this to become re-certified, and when new pilots arrive, they automatically have to go through it."

At the end of the decontamination line, AFE Airmen use a joint chemical agent detector which identifies chemicals on the pilot. If the detector displays that there are still chemicals on the pilot, the pilot will have to go back through the line.

"With possible current threats we still need to practice (safety) every single day, every single situation," said Brown. "Having the practice, for them and for us, to know what we are doing wrong and things that need to be identified on what can be better always helps."

AFE Airmen are a significant asset to the 20th FW mission; ensuring pilots remain fit to fight through any situation and are able to return home to their families.

• Date Taken: 11.03.2015
• Date Posted: 11.03.2015 12:51
• Story ID: 180753
• Location: SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, SC, US