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Air Force personnel have tested their preparedness for chemical contamination scenarios during a training exercise at RAAF Base Amberley.
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Royal Australian Air Force units from Air Mobility Group and Combat Support Group have honed their chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defence (CBRND) capabilities after completing Exercise Toxic Safari at RAAF Base Amberley from 22-25 October.
The training scenario focused on the processing of chemically contaminated personnel at an exchange airfield, with Combat Support Group conducting decontamination operations designed to enable and sustain the forward movement of Australian Defence Force personnel.
Commanding Officer No. 382 Squadron Wing Commander Stuart Wheal said the exercise fostered collaboration between force element groups.
“This activity was a good chance to work together, rehearse skills and develop a deeper understanding of each force element group's requirements in CBRND situations,” WGCDR Wheal said.
Corporal Kylee Ganzerla, who acted as a station operator, said the exercise enabled her to apply her skills in a simulated environment.
“Operating a decontamination station in a CBRND environment while working alongside the Air Mobility Group and other Combat Support Group units was really rewarding,” CPL Ganzerla said.
“It provided an opportunity to put the skills and knowledge I’ve been taught to use in a practical scenario, which showed just how effective the procedures can be.”
Warrant Officer Gavin Durnford from Combat Support Group's Capability Development Cell, said No. 382 Squadron’s participation in the exercise shed light on areas for improvement.
“No. 382 Squadron supported Combat Support Group and Air Mobility Group in meeting their exercise objectives and as a result have identified many lessons that will stand us in good stead for CBRND activities in the future,” WOFF Durnford said.
The exercise also involved members from Combat Support Group's Health Services Wing and No. 383 Squadron.
The RAAF School of Fire and Security also provided role players to interact with the decontamination personnel.
“Our Air Force people really work well together, look at the decontamination lane as an example – it was made up of members from different units and force element groups, and they all meshed seamlessly,” WGCDR Wheal said.
[Related: ADF prepares for training exercise in Western Australia]
