anti-terrorism exercise 09

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, ND – Members from the Carpio Emergency Management Service and 91st Missile Security Forces Squadron carry out a “victim” during a recent, joint anti-terrorism exercise near a base launch facility here, June 4. Two simulated bombs were placed near the facility during this exercise where base personnel, Carpio officials, and the Minot Police Department responded. The purpose of the exercise was to ensure vigilance and readiness in order to defeat possible terrorist threats wherever they may occur. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Lee A. Osberry Jr.)

Team Minot is AT ready

Published June 10, 2009
By 2nd Lt. Kidron Vestal
Deputy Chief, Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The anti-terrorism office at Minot Air Force Base completed a joint exercise Friday with base and community partners. The event tested and assessed the capabilities of all parties involved, said the two anti-terrorism officers assigned to the base.

Pasquale Pallotta, the event representative for the 5th Bomb Wing, and Timothy Allen, the 91st Missile Wing representative, worked together to execute the training for the base.

In addition to wing participation, the other agencies involved include: the Minot Police Department, the Minot Fire Department, Carpio Emergency Management Services, and the 81st Civil Support Team.

The event focused on a chemical and a biological attack on the Water Treatment Plant in Minot and at a launch site in the missile complex and on base, said Pallotta. Both wings were involved for the exercise.

Explosive ordinance device training was accomplished, and "went very well," at the missile complex said Pallotta. The Ward County Dispatch Office contributed in a "well-executed" fashion, and officials who monitored the session were impressed that "Local responders were able to get on the scene quickly ... there in minimum time," said Allen.

"Our emergency responding forces from the civilian side are able to support us if need be," added Allen. He said the training makes all parties involved more competent and better prepared for the future.