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Fairchild AFB MARE

Fire fighters from the 92nd Civil Engineer Squadron spray water onto a simulated fire June 5, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. Fairchild and local emergency personnel responded to simulated airplane crashes in preparation for Fairchild’s upcoming 2017 SkyFest Air Show. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Ryan Lackey)

Fairchild AFB MARE

Fairchild fire fighters respond to a simulated airplane crash June 5, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. Fairchild and local first responders participated in a Major Accident Response Exercise in preparation for Fairchild’s upcoming 2017 SkyFest Air Show. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class Ryan Lackey)

Fairchild AFB MARE

Senior Airman Taylor Shelton, 92nd Air Refueling Wing Protocol Office assistant, role plays as an injured person June 5, 2017, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington. More than 300 Airmen participated in the Major Accident Response Exercise to increase Fairchild’s emergency response skills in preparation for the upcoming 2017 SkyFest Air Show. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Airman 1st Class Ryan Lackey)

Fairchild prepares for 2017 SkyFest

Published June 7, 2017
By Senior Airman Nick Daniello
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Fairchild prepared for the upcoming 2017 Inland Northwest SkyFest Air Show and open house by conducting a Major Accident Response Exercise June 5 and 6.

During the exercise, it was simulated that two F-16 Fighting Falcons crashed during a performance. This scenario resulted in more than 150 first-responder Airmen and local community partners conducting crisis response actions, which included providing care to role-players with simulated injuries and initiating an aircraft accident investigation.

"We're always on alert, so we have to be ready for everything," said Kimo Kuheana, the Fairchild Fire Emergency Services fire chief. "It's our job as first responders to control any chaos, and if there are victims or patients to get them properly treated and transported to the hospital."

The more you train for these type of scenarios the more second-nature it becomes. We're constantly in ready mode and everybody knows their roles in responding to incidents, said Kuheana.

"Maintaining a high level of readiness through the exercise enables the base to be as prepared as possible to respond to a real-world event, said Master Sgt. Judy Lewis, 92nd Air Refueling Wing Inspector General wing exercise planner. "As Fairchild opens the gates to the community for the upcoming SkyFest, it is extremely important that we are prepared to respond in the event of a major accident and take care of all visitors in attendance."

It's good for the public to know that the base is prepared so that they are comfortable attending SkyFest. Their safety is first and foremost, said Lewis.

For a full list of aerial demonstrations more information about Fairchild AFB 2017 SkyFest Air Show visit www.fairchild.af.mil/AirShow or contact the Fairchild Public Affairs office at (509) 247-5705.