PATRICK SPACE FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Space Launch Delta 45 Emergency Management personnel partnered with the Florida Army National Guard’s 44th Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team (WMD-CST) during a multi-day training exercise July 28, 2026, at Patrick Space Force Base and July 30, 2026, at Kennedy Space Center, marking the second time SLD 45 has hosted the 44th WND-CST and strengthening emergency response capabilities through realistic training scenarios.
The 44th WMD-CST is a specialized unit of Army and Air Force personnel composed primarily of full-time Florida Army National Guard Soldiers with four Air Force members. The team supports civil authorities during chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high-yield explosive (CBRNE) incidents that exceed the capabilities of local hazardous materials response agencies. Its mission focuses on protecting public health and public safety while supporting local, state and federal agencies during intentional or unintentional domestic emergencies.
The 44th WMD-CST is organized into specialized sections that work together to support incident commanders during hazardous material emergencies. A command element coordinates operations and provides on-scene leadership, while survey teams enter contaminated areas to collect samples, conduct testing and identify hazardous agents. Decontamination personnel establish entry and exit control points to safely process responders entering and leaving the hot zone, and a dedicated medical team stands ready to treat personnel who become ill or are exposed. The unit also operates a secure mobile command post equipped with encrypted communications and a mobile analytical laboratory capable of fully characterizing unknown chemical, biological or radiological hazards in the field.
“Public safety is our number one priority,” said Florida Army National Guard Lt. Col. David Deitz, commander of the 44th WMD-CST. “We are committed to answering every alert and showing up wherever necessary in order to support local and federal agencies in CBRNE matters.”
Joint training brought together Space Force and National Guard personnel to rehearse coordinated responses to a simulated chemical incident, allowing both organizations to improve communication and response procedures. During this exercise, participants established a decontamination corridor before survey teams entered the simulated hazardous area to identify chemical agents, collect samples and assess potential threats.
For SLD 45 Emergency Management personnel, the exercise provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships and get specialized hands-on training with the response team while gaining valuable experience alongside experts who routinely support hazardous material incidents across Florida. This partnership also introduces Airmen and Guardians to potential career opportunities with the civil support team following military service.
“Working with our local partners to facilitate this training helps them remain proficient in their field,” said Master Sgt. Robert Ridgway, SLD 45 Emergency Management Flight Noncommissioned Officer In Charge. “This joint collaboration aids in improving both teams’ procedures for more effective emergency response. Many of our 45th CES EM personnel are exposed to this as a future career opportunity following their service.” More training like this helps strengthen and develop our force.
Training together in realistic scenarios, SLD 45 and the 44th WMD-CST continue to strengthen their partnership, ensuring both organizations remain prepared to rapidly respond to CBRNE incidents in support of local communities, mission partners and the nation’s busiest spaceport.