MARE preps Whiteman for air show Published Aug. 24, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Cody H. Ramirez 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Team Whiteman key-response personnel from multiple base agencies are scheduled to act in a major accident response exercise here, Aug. 31. "The purpose of the MARE is to exercise and evaluate emergency response procedures, and for this one specifically, procedures if an aircraft crashed during an air show," said Senior Master Sgt. Carlito Catalasan, 509th Bomb Wing special projects chief of plans. The MARE includes initial response elements, Incident Command response elements, and Emergency Operations Center elements. Initial response personnel are those first on scene, and include fire department, medical, readiness and security forces personnel. Incident command response elements include the on-scene commander and mobile-command-post personnel. The EOC is a cross-functional center, or integrated personnel hub, supporting the IC with supplies and information. "Through a well planned and realistic exercise scenario, this training will ensure our emergency response teams are prepared and ready to meet worst-case possibilities and help validate our air show emergency plans." he said. The performances will be measured by following local checklists, procedures outlined in Air Force instructions and the current Whiteman emergency plans. Specific events of the exercise are not disclosed to maintain a realistic surprise and response. The exercise should not affect traffic or the daily schedules of those not involved.