444th Chemical Company supports Soldiers training in California

Photo By 2nd Lt. Jarvis Mace | Pfc. Tonimarie A. Morrow, a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear specialist with the 444th Chemical Company, Illinois Army National Guard, takes a breakfast break from loading equipment onto a tactical vehicle prior to moving out to the training area May 26, 2017, during the rotation of Mississippi's 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team through the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California. The 444th is providing chemical support to the 155th at NTC while conducting training that is designed to prepare the unit for combat. (Mississippi National Guard photo by Pfc. Jarvis Mace, 102d Public Affairs Detachment.)  

FORT IRWIN, CA, UNITED STATES

05.26.2017

Story by Pfc. Jarvis Mace 

102d Public Affairs Detachment

FORT IRWIN, Calif.-- The 444th Chemical Company, Illinois Army National Guard, a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense unit based in Galesburg, Illinois, is providing support to the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team, Mississippi Army National Guard, during their rotation at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California,

“We provide gate security as well as chemical support for the 155th,” said Sgt. Lauren L. Biswell, a team leader with the unit. “Those are our primary missions while out with the 155th”

The 444th embeds with the 155th’s units to provide detailed equipment decontamination (DED) and detailed troop decontamination (DTD).

“DED is the cleaning and monitoring of vehicles exposed to a chemical attack to make sure the vehicle is still conditional,” said Biswell. “The same is for DTD, but it’s for the troops and the equipment they’re wearing.”

Before the exposed unit link up with the company, decontamination stations are already set up to ensure a safe, effective cleaning process, said Pfc. Lisa R. McClay, a CBRN specialist with the 444th.

“Units that are contaminated come to where we are stationed so we can clean their vehicles and equipment,” she said. “Our chemical kits monitor whether or not the vehicles are still mission capable after they have been cleaned.”

The 444th also gives classes to the 155th Soldiers on how to detect a chemical attack and decontaminate themselves and their equipment in the event it is a large scale attack.

“We support the 155th by teaching them how to perform hasty decontamination, which they decontaminate themselves if we’re not available,” said Biswell. “We also teach them how to properly equip their decontamination gear. If they come in contact with chemicals, it’ll be a good thing to know.”

The 444th will be at NTC with the 155th and supporting units for the remainder of the rotation, informing them and providing chemical support as they train to conquer any challenges to come..

• Date Taken: 05.26.2017
• Date Posted: 05.27.2017 01:56
• Story ID: 235536
• Location: FORT IRWIN, CA, US