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Back together again

  • Published
  • By Capt. J. Ryan Price
  • 702nd Munitions Support Squadron
BUECHEL AIR BASE, Germany --  The 38th Munitions Maintenance Group was officially redesignated as the 52nd Munitions Maintenance Group and its four squadrons once again returned as geographically-separated units under the 52nd Fighter Wing after a three year stint under the 38th Combat Support Wing Sept. 11, 2007.

As this symbolic changing of the flags occurred, the men and women of the 702nd Munitions Support Squadron at Buechel Air Base, Germany were already hard at work re-establishing old ties and strengthening relationships between the 52nd FW and their German hosts of the Fighter Bomber Wing 33, JaboG 33.

A noteworthy event occurred Sept. 18 as members of the 702nd MUNSS, JaboG 33 Fire Dept and 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordinance, Bio-environmental and Readiness Flights teamed up to tackle the broad world of the Full Spectrum Threat Response. A gathering of this magnitude has not taken place on Buechel AB for more than three years. As the exercise unfolded, there were some areas that might have been a little rusty but the one thing was evident, all participants were professionals who took their jobs and this exercise seriously.

The scenario developed when a simulated fire broke out in one of the Protective Aircraft Shelters while a maintenance operation was taking place. The U.S. Security Forces quickly responded and established a cordon to secure the area while the JaboG 33 Fire Dept swooped in to put the fire out. Once the fire was extinguished, the HAZMAT team, made up of Bio-Environmental and Readiness shops, jumped into action to ensure the fire equipment was not contaminated. Once they were cleared, EOD suited up a four-person team and prepared for their actions by reviewing a detailed checklist that insured all equipment required for the operation was inventoried and working properly. Once on-scene, EOD immediately began assessing the situation, monitoring for possible contamination and making sure the area was safe for further actions.

When the area was deemed clear of contamination the exercise was terminated. All exercise evaluators were pleased with the actions taken by the participants. It was apparent that despite the long separation and turnover of personnel, each section was able to integrate into a unified and fully functional FSTR team.

These kind of real-world scenarios that would bring these organizations together never happen. But if they did leadership is certain that the training that occurred in this and future exercises will prepare the team for success.

"I am confident that we can succeed," said Lt. Col. Max Dubroff, 702nd MUNSS commander.

This confidence of the men and women of the 702nd MUNSS have forged new, cooperative relationships with the 52nd FW and the JaboG 33 as the units have re-united.