LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- When disaster strikes, there’s no time to hesitate. Whether facing a chemical spill, a biological threat, or an unknown hazardous material, emergency responders must be ready to act immediately. That’s why service members from the 944th Fighter Wing suited up and joined forces with multiple military and civilian agencies for a high-intensity, hands-on hazardous materials training exercise.
This joint training, hosted by the 161st Air Refueling Wing, focused on chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and hazardous materials (CBRN) threats. It emphasized force integration and real-world response, aligning with the Department of the Air Force’s focus on building a more agile, lethal, and mission-ready force. The annual exercise challenged Reserve Citizen Airmen to refine their skills, strengthen partnerships, and reinforce their ability to respond at a moment’s notice.
Strength in Joint Training
Master Sgt. Brett Sanchez, Emergency Manager with the 161st ARW, emphasized the collaborative nature of the event, which has steadily grown in scope and participation.
What began as a small-scale training has evolved into a robust, multi-agency operation that continues to expand. This year’s exercise grew from six participants to 24, with plans to include additional organizations in the future, including local fire departments and bomb squads.
The training followed National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 472 standards, ensuring participants met the Department of Defense’s rigorous requirements for hazardous materials response. The simulated scenarios—such as chemical releases—required participants to don full protective gear, assess the situation, and execute response protocols under high-stress conditions.
These efforts mirror the Air Force’s renewed focus on high-end readiness. The emphasis on interoperability and real-world execution supports the service-wide effort to ensure personnel are trained to meet the demands of tomorrow’s fight—across all operational domains.
Building Readiness for Real-World Emergencies
For the 944th FW’s emergency management team, the exercise reinforced the importance of joint-force collaboration and communication in crisis response. Tech. Sgt. Librete Reyes, 944th FW Civil Engineering Squadron emergency management specialist, underscored how training alongside other units in a controlled environment helps prepare teams for seamless coordination during real emergencies.
With over a decade of experience, Reyes knows how physically and mentally demanding these operations can be. The gear—Level A suits and self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA)—introduces environmental and physical challenges that test endurance, attention to detail, and resilience. These rigorous conditions support the Air Force’s ongoing efforts to foster a warrior mindset early and often in its training environments.
This exercise also echoes broader initiatives designed to modernize and strengthen the force. Whether it's introducing innovative scenarios in Basic Military Training or advancing multi-domain expertise through programs like Warrant Officer development, the Department of the Air Force continues to prioritize developing highly skilled Airmen capable of operating in complex environments.
Forging the Next Generation of Responders
For Airmen like Senior Airman Jorge Tremillio, also assigned to the 944th CES, the training served as an introduction to the intensity and responsibility of hazmat operations. With just three years of experience, Tremillio saw firsthand how hands-on training builds both confidence and competence in high-risk scenarios.
His experience reflects a key element of the service’s evolving force development strategy—equipping Airmen with specialized skillsets and fostering operational confidence at all levels. By investing in real-world readiness and individual capability, the Air Force is ensuring its members are prepared to meet emerging global threats and mission demands.
Looking Ahead
As the exercise concluded, participants left with sharpened skills and a stronger sense of collaboration. For many, the training reaffirmed their commitment to being mission-ready—no matter the environment or the challenge. It also echoed the Air Force’s larger strategic objective to prepare Airmen for rapid deployment, joint integration, and response under pressure.
This year’s training laid a strong foundation for future exercises, with plans already in place to expand participation and build on lessons learned. The continued investment in emergency management training supports the service’s broader transformation—prioritizing innovation, resilience, and readiness across the force.
Whether responding to a local disaster or deploying to unfamiliar terrain, 944th FW Airmen are proving they are prepared to defend the homeland, support global stability, and uphold the Air Force’s legacy of excellence. As the Department of the Air Force continues to modernize its tools, processes, and force structure, one thing remains constant: the unwavering dedication of Airmen committed to flying, fighting, and winning—anytime, anywhere.