HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- Hanscom AFB will conduct base exercise scenarios, including an active-shooter portion, the week of July 11 to evaluate the installation’s readiness and emergency response capabilities.
Personnel should anticipate disruptions to daily activities, such as restrictions, lockdowns and evacuations. Organizers note events may affect customer service functions and also result in traffic delays both entering and exiting the installation.
Organizers say it’s essential the exercises take place.
“As we transition to a new normal, post the height of COVID restrictions, it is critical that we conduct exercises to ascertain how our hybrid work environment impacts base readiness to various emergency situations,” said Maj. Pierre LaPlume, director of Wing Inspections here. “This exercise allows us to evaluate where we have strengths and where we might need improvement as we continue to adapt to the changing work landscape of fewer individuals on base.”
Base officials are emphasizing safety to all involved, and if any real-world emergency takes place, they will stop the exercise immediately.
In addition, Wing Inspection Team members will monitor all scenarios and will be identifiable by blue vests.
“If a member of Team Hanscom sees something that he or she believes to be unsafe, they should report it to a WIT member immediately,” LaPlume said, adding that all WIT members have the ability to stop an event when safety is compromised.
If required as part of a scenario, personnel should dial 911 from a landline, or cellular device if available, and should preface the call with “EXERCISE EXERCISE EXERCISE.”
For questions or concerns prior to the exercise, base personnel should contact Hanscom’s Inspector General Office at 66.ABG.IG.Workflow@us.af.mil.