Emergency management keeps base prepared

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Daniel Brosam
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  In times of crises, the base has standards and procedures to respond to an immediate emergency. To assist in preparing the base, the 341st Civil Engineer Squadron’s readiness and emergency management flight provides training and maintains communication with other agencies on base to ensure Malmstrom continues to be a safe, secure and effective nuclear force.

During a crisis, the base will set up a Crisis Action Team and an Emergency Operations Center where wing leadership and unit representatives will stay in constant communication throughout the entire situation. Members from the emergency management flight will report to the scene and assist the on-scene incident commander with alleviating the problem.

Brian Wilkinson, 341st CES readiness and emergency management flight installation emergency manager, ensures individuals respond to their assigned locations and procedures run smoothly inside the EOC.

“In the EOC, we provide direct support to the incident commander,” Wilkinson said. “We run checklists and make sure timely updates are given to the wing commander.”

The EOC is equipped with nearly 25 desks, computers and phones where unit subject matter experts sit to allow individuals on scene to report back. The EOC can then relay pertinent information to the CAT.

“The SMEs perform the tactics to support the IC and update the EOC director,” Wilkinson said. “I ensure the correct information is being communicated and that we are working as a team to handle the situation.”

In addition to working with the EOC during a crisis, Wilkinson assists with local city, county and state emergency responses. He is a member of the State Emergency Response Commission and the Local Emergency Planning Committee. Both allow and promote the base to support public crises during a time of need.

The amount of work and dedication to keep the base prepared for these types of situations, as well as working hand-in-hand with the public, reflects the emergency management flight’s 2016 Best Emergency Management Flight in Air Force Global Strike Command and Wilkinson’s individual Air Force Civilian Emergency Manager of the Year award at the major command level.

“It’s a nice pat on the back for doing a good job,” Wilkinson said. “My award is still definitely a team award, not an individual award and I couldn’t have received this award without help from my unit and support from wing and group leadership.”

Staff Sgt. Charles Sweeney, 341st CES readiness and emergency management flight plans and operations NCO in charge, said Wilkinson deserved the award for his invaluable efforts and dedication to the job.

“He continually goes above and beyond,” Sweeney said. “He knows a lot and helps out our Response Task Force. He is a genius and is well deserving of his award.”