OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- From the inspection of unidentified chemicals to the response of contingencies and natural disasters, one flight holds the responsibility of ensuring Osan Air Base’s safety and response to these scenarios.
The 51st Civil Engineer Squadron emergency management flight equips and trains Osan Airmen to ensure each are able to respond to these situations.
“The main focus of emergency management is to save lives, promote overall preparedness and minimize the degradation of Air Force assets,” said Airman 1st Class Justin Eason, 51st CES emergency management logistics.
Due to the high risk of contingencies and natural disasters, emergency response can mean saving 51 million lives on the Korean Peninsula.
“There’s no timeline when a disaster, whether manmade or natural, can strike,” said Airman 1st Class Benjamin Thompson, 51st CES emergency management flight trainer. “We provide training and education to the base populace on how to properly respond and make it through these situations.”
The flight provides Chemical, Biological, Radioactive, Nuclear and Explosive awareness, which includes CBRNE mitigation, prevention, preparedness, response, recovery procedures and threats, as well as shelter management for collective protection systems, a group protection area for CBRNE incidents.
“It’s important to have our career field overall because it promotes installation readiness, whether you’re a civilian or a service member,” Thompson added.
Not only does the flight train Osan Airmen, they also prepare Republic of Korea air force members to respond to CBRNE incidents. Thompson explained working with the ROKAF improves the flight’s ability to respond and mitigate CBRNE incidents.
In addition to providing the means to protect Osan, the EM team has a major role in ensuring essential aircraft like the F-16 Fighting Falcon are ready for takeoff during contamination.
“We are an important factor when it comes to getting jets off the ground,” Eason said. “For example, if an F-16 is contaminated, we work with the maintenance group to prepare that aircraft for takeoff as soon as possible.”
According to Thompson, even though emergency management can be a difficult career, he finds solace in providing others a mean to protect themselves.
“My favorite part about my job is training the dependents,” Thompson said. “Working with Korean nationals and Airmen’s families to ensure they can protect themselves gives me a lot of pride in my work.”
Osan’s “Fight Tonight” mission is made possible with the response assets these EM Airmen provide to protect the base and local community.