An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Photo Information

Photo by Lance Cpl. Cindy G. Alejandrez

Marines practice NBC skills, train for mission readiness

7 Apr 2006 | Lance Cpl. Cindy G. Alejandrez Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan

Service members from Marine Wing Support Squadron 171, Marine Aircraft Group 12 and Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 212 recently suited up for a nuclear, biological and chemical training exercise here, in support of Exercise Foal Eagle March 27.

Donning specially designed suits to repel chemical attacks, also known as Mission Oriented Protective Posture Gear or MOPP, the Marines decontaminated an F/A-18 Hornet during the training scenario.

“We’re using the new counter, chemical concepts of the Marine Corps in conjunction with the old ways of decontamination, implementing new methods to get the job done more efficiently,” said Sgt. Kasey D. Newlin, MWSS- 171 NBC chief and native of Champagne, Ill. “The reason why we’re doing this versus the old way is so we only close down the airfield in portions and continue the mission at a constant pace.”

Before “gas, gas, gas!” sounded, Marines participating in the exercise gradually increased the level of MOPP layers during the morning as the simulated threat increased.

After the alarm, Marines blasted the Hornet with pressurized water and scrubbed with hard bristle brushes to decontaminate it and make it mission capable as soon as possible, while in MOPP level four, which includes protective tops, bottoms, boots, gloves and gas masks.

After decontaminating the Hornet, the Marines learned to properly de-layer by undressing in pairs while taking care not re-contaminate themselves, explained Newlin.

“I was able to learn more about NBC and remediate on what I already knew. Before, I didn’t know about de-layering from the conditions.” Lance Cpl. Anthony J. Bodette, MWSS-171 welder and native of Dallas.

“The exercise was an absolute success, we accomplished the goals we set,” said Chief Warrant Officer Darrin M. Flick, MAG-12 chemical, biological, radioactive and nuclear defense officer who is a native of Lancaster, Ohio. “Because of this training, the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing is really leading the Marine Corps when it comes to new ways of thinking, to be able to regenerate sorties (combat missions) as soon as possible.”