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Airmen Train to Minimize Missile Mishaps

Nov. 30, 2023

Training for the unthinkable. Airmen recently joined state and local first responders for a missile hazmat cleanup exercise near Hill Air Force Base, Utah.

The exercise involved a simulated transportation accident involving a truck carrying a missile component that contained hazardous material near a populated area.

People in hazmat suits take atmospheric samples.
People in hazmat suits take atmospheric samples.
Missile Hazmat Training
Members of the Missile Mishap Recovery Team from Hill Air Force Base take atmospheric samples during an exercise simulating a transportation accident involving a missile component containing hazardous material at the Box Elder County Fairgrounds, Tremonton, Utah, Nov. 2, 2023.
Download: Full Size (4.97 MB)
Photo By: Ronald Bradshaw, Air Force
VIRIN: 231102-F-OD616-1002C
People in hazmat suits decontaminate a simulated casualty during an exercise.
People in hazmat suits decontaminate a simulated casualty during an exercise.
Missile Hazmat Training
Members of the Missile Mishap Recovery Team from Hill Air Force Base decontaminate a simulated casualty during an exercise simulating a transportation accident involving a missile component containing hazardous material at the Box Elder County Fairgrounds, Tremonton, Utah, Nov. 2, 2023.
Download: Full Size (3.65 MB)
Photo By: Ronald Bradshaw, Air Force
VIRIN: 231102-F-OD616-1004

The training allowed airmen assigned to the Minuteman III Missile Mishap Response Team to be prepared for a variety of circumstances should any real-world incident occur.

People in hazmat suits work to recover a missile guidance system.
People in hazmat suits work to recover a missile guidance system.
Missile Hazmat Training
Members of the Missile Mishap Recovery Team from Hill Air Force Base work to recover a missile guidance system during an exercise simulating a transportation accident involving a missile component containing hazardous material at the Box Elder County Fairgrounds, Tremonton, Utah, Nov. 2, 2023.
Download: Full Size (3.1 MB)
Photo By: Ronald Bradshaw, Air Force
VIRIN: 231102-F-OD616-1008C
People in hazmat suits work to recover a missile guidance system.
People in hazmat suits work to recover a missile guidance system.
Missile Hazmat Training
Members of the Missile Mishap Recovery Team from Hill Air Force Base work to recover a missile guidance system during an exercise simulating a transportation accident involving a missile component containing hazardous material at the Box Elder County Fairgrounds, Tremonton, Utah, Nov. 2, 2023.
Download: Full Size (7.73 MB)
Photo By: Ronald Bradshaw, Air Force
VIRIN: 231102-F-OD616-1006

More than 40 state and local responders observed the exercise, allowing them to learn more about Air Force assets in their area.

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Download: Full Size ({{filesize}})
Photo By: {{photographer}}
VIRIN: {{virin}}
People in hazmat suits work to recover a missile guidance system.
People in hazmat suits work to recover a missile guidance system.
People in hazmat suits work to recover a missile guidance system.
People in hazmat suits carry hoses and pull a yellow wagon.
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The team has a key role in supporting the LGM-30G Minuteman III weapon system and will eventually transition to supporting the new LGM-35A Sentinel, as the Air Force works to replace the Minuteman III.

Air Force Training

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