EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska  –   Team Eielson exercised the capability to accomplish their mission while countering chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats during Golden Raven 23-1 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska.

“The exercise is designed to allow the 168th Wing and 354th Fighter Wing to execute their core mission essential tasks and evaluate their ability to survive and operate within a CBRN environment,” said Lt. Col. Katarzyna Johnson, 168th Wing's inspector general.

The goal is to support the KC-135 and other flying missions combining all the moving elements to get jets in the air on time, on target, and refueled.

“For a unit to have proper command, control, and communication, it is imperative we have realistic exercises for all our members to learn and unify from,” said Master Sgt. Douglas Weber, 168th Wing, comptroller technician, and wing inspection team member.

The CBRN exercise is one of many annual readiness training requirements. The exercise prepares personnel to survive in a compromised environment and mitigate the effects of a CBRN attack.

“The Phase II exercises are important to keep members up to date with the training requirements. Not only how to appropriately utilize the gear but also how to manage taskings such as PAR sweeps or on-the-job tasks,” said Tech Sgt. Vincent Mckiernan, 168th Logistics Readiness Squadron, heavy mobile and equipment manager, and wing inspection team member.

Post-attack reconnaissance team sweeps provide communications to execute mission-essential tasks in CBRN environments.

“PAR teams are the unit's first line to ensure the safety of all members within their area of control. PAR teams sound the alarm if buildings are unsafe, people are injured, or a new hazard in the area, such as a UXO or CBRN. They are the eyes of the unit to what is happening in our environments outside,” said Weber.

The exercise was executed in phases, including the ability to survive and operate squadron training and evaluations, and combined readiness exercise to include the ability to survive and operate and command and control. Each squadron accomplished the training as a team to be comfortable deploying to an environment where CBRN attacks are a threat.