Lights flashed and sirens blared as the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Fire Department, Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting, Provost Marshal’s Office and Explosive Ordnance Disposal practiced first responder skills during an all hazard protection exercise March 1.
The exercise enabled emergency personnel to gain hands on experience responding to a suspicious package sent to the MCAS Miramar Post Office.
“Drills like this benefit Miramar because it allows for faster first response time on station and the surrounding area,” said Police Lieutenant Jude Gronenthal, the watch commander for 2nd platoon PMO. “These exercises also help us become more cohesive and go from start to finish in less time.”
The drill started when two Marines working in the office identified the package as potentially dangerous and reported it to PMO.
Within minutes, first responders arrived on the scene and officers with PMO cordoned off the area.
The emergency personnel worked together for two hours to safely identify, contain and dispose of the package. EOD identified the package as a bomb and used a remote-controlled bomb disposal robot to remove the package and place it in a explosive container.
The exercise enabled each section to practice their individual skills while also learning how to communicate with emergency personnel that do not work together on a regular basis.
According to Foster there are two more all hazard protection exercises scheduled at MCAS Miramar in June and August.