Exercise tests base, Reservists' coordination

  • Published
  • By 507th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
Tuesday started like a typical day, but soon erupted into a stressful mock scenario, testing emergency response in many areas, including an active shooter scenario and a mock hijacking Aug. 11th on Tinker Air Force Base.

The exercise kicked off with a realistic active shooter situation in building 1043, home to the 507th Air Refueling Wing headquarters, and was geared toward testing Reservists' skills and providing real-world training for emergency responders.

"The shots startled me because they were so realistic," said Kelsey Riva, a student hire at the 507th ARW. "We talked about it a few weeks beforehand in training, so that helped by teaching us what to do," said Riva. "We made sure the doors were locked, the lights were turned off and we stayed as still as possible."

Personnel in the 507th quickly secured the building once the initial shot rang out. First responders from the 72nd Security Forces Squadron quickly arrived, swept the building and detained the mock shooter.

After the threat was mitigated, more alerts were sounded around base requiring a total force response. Airmen from the 72nd SFS worked with the 552nd Air Control Wing to assist with another active shooter scenario. This is the third active shooter exercise performed on Tinker this year.

"Training for the worst-case scenario is the best way to prepare against terrorist attacks," said Maj. Jon Quinlan, 507th ARW crisis action team member. "Maintaining situational awareness and conducting realistic exercises are both essential in ensuring the safety of our Airmen and civilians."