Courtesy Photo | U.S. Air Force Airmen with the Kentucky National Guard's Chemical, Biological,...... read more read more
MUSCATATUCK, Ind. – The Kentucky National Guard’s Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and high-yield explosives (CBRNE) Enhanced Response Force Package (CERFP) recently completed a rigorous external evaluation, demonstrating its capability to respond to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield explosive incidents, July 29 through Aug. 1, 2025.
Despite personnel shortages in two of its six evaluated elements, the unit received high marks for performance, professionalism, and readiness.
The CERFP, comprised of the 103rd Chemical Battalion and subordinate units, as well as elements of the 123rd Airlift Wing, includes specialized teams trained in command and control (C2), joint incident site communications capability (JISCC), search and extraction (S&E), decontamination (DECON), medical, and fatality search and recovery (FSRT). These teams integrate to provide critical, life-saving support during natural or man-made disasters.
The evaluation, conducted by the Army Interagency Training and Education Center (AITEC), assessed the unit’s ability to execute mission-essential tasks under simulated emergency conditions. AITEC Observers/Controllers-Trainers (OCTs) recognized the Kentucky CERFP for excellence in technical rope systems, shoring operations, and incident close-out procedures—describing them as among the best observed across the CERFP enterprise.
“This team came together exactly when needed,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Noy Boriboune, commander of the 103rd and CERFP. “I am so proud of how hard everyone worked to get it to this point. Everyone has a defined role within the CERFP, and they performed exceptionally well, regardless of whether it aligned with their military duty. Their efforts reflect the dedication and readiness we strive for in the CERFP.”
Evaluation milestones included the DECON team completing a hasty decontamination set-up in 6 minutes and 43 seconds and the C2 Tactical Operations Center achieving full operational capability in 23 minutes and 12 seconds. OCTs noted both accomplishments as benchmarks for future CERFP evaluations.
“We trained hard to reach this level,” said Spc. Jantzen Hazelrigg, a member of 103rd’s Headquarters and Headquarters Company, and the DECON team. “When the time came, we executed exactly as we practiced.”
Soldiers in the CERFP must embrace flexibility – when called upon, they must be ready to drop what they’re doing and spring into action.
“One moment I was maintaining generators, and the next I was suiting up to go downrange,” said Spc. Davis Brown, a Soldier from the 299th Chemical Company. “The team was flexible, and we were ready for whatever was needed.”
The evaluation also highlighted strong joint interoperability between Army and Air Force components. Personnel demonstrated seamless collaboration, cross-communication, and mutual trust—essential traits in complex disaster response missions.
“This type of joint training gives the FSRT rare opportunities to work directly with other CERFP elements,” said Capt. Zachary Endicott, liaison officer for the FSRT. “It improves our cohesion, sharpens skills, and ensures we’re aligned for future real-world missions.”
Kentucky CERFP’s successful evaluation confirms the unit’s operational readiness and ability to support civil authorities during crises. The unit remains a vital disaster response resource for the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the nation.
“Our performance during the evaluation—despite weather challenges—reflects the team’s commitment to mission success and community support,” added Capt. Zachary Salamons, commander of the 299th, and DECON officer-in-charge. “We’re proud to stand ready.”
| Date Taken: | 08.13.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 08.13.2025 14:03 |
| Story ID: | 545498 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 65 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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