VAFB trains with local emergency crews Published Jan. 22, 2007 By TSgt M. Davis Public Affairs Vance Air Force Base, Okla. -- Vance Air Force Base teamed up with Enid emergency responders to participate in a training exercise outside the Hairston Gate Tuesday evening. The exercise scenario involved an off-base chemical spill caused by simulated terrorists exploding bombs beneath a hazardous material transportation truck. The truck crashed into a bus full of people causing a nitric oxide spill, numerous injuries and contamination issues for those in the bus and base residents downwind of the accident. Vance AFB firefighters and rescue teams, emergency medical team members and security police participated in the three-hour exercise scenario. The wing exercise evaluation team brought realism to the simulated situation by working closely with several local emergency organizations to build scenarios and a plan of response. "We were excited to work with the City of Enid," said Maj Steve Yarbrough, wing Exercise Evaluation Team chief. "Vance was tasked with providing military support during the situation. Although it was in Enid's jurisdiction, we integrated with Enid's command and control structure to manage the situation." Although they can sometimes inconvenience base residents when the gate entrances are closed and some base services are limited, exercises provide much needed training for Vance people, Major Yarbrough said. "We received a lot of positive feedback from Air Education and Training Command headquarters," he said. "These are the type of shared exercises that we are moving toward." Despite the many exercise elements to contend with - simulated terrorist activity, a chemical spill and casualties - the training exercise went well, said Sergeant Billy Varney, Enid Police Department traffic sergeant. "We worked together really well with the folks at Vance," said the seven-year police officer. "We did a good deal of information sharing, which made it easier for all of us to do our jobs. The biggest challenge to overcome was "the use of different radio channels to obtain information," Officer Varney said. "But I'm sure we can fix that problem easily for the next time." Performing training together is always a win-win situation, said Col Fred Cheney, 71st Mission Support Group commander and exercise on-scene commander. "It was a great learning experience," the colonel said. "This proves that Vance Air Force Base and Enid emergency responders are ready to work together at a moment's notice to support one another."