Offutt Air Force Base and community organizations completed a Major Accident Response Exercise on June 6, 2026, strengthening their ability to respond to a large-scale emergency ahead of the 2026 Defenders of Freedom Air & Space Show.

The exercise simulated an aircraft-related incident involving multiple casualties, requiring participants to coordinate emergency medical care, incident command, communications, casualty accountability, and support services.

“Exercises like this are essential to ensuring our military and community partners can respond together quickly, safely, and effectively,” said Col. Aaron Gray, 55th Wing commander. “The coordination demonstrated today strengthens our collective readiness and helps ensure we are prepared to protect those attending the air show, as well as the broader Offutt and surrounding communities.”

The exercise brought together Team Offutt personnel and representatives from the American Red Cross, USO Iowa, local Civil Air Patrol units, and the Veterans Health Administration. The realistic training environment allowed participants to evaluate procedures, identify strengths, and determine areas requiring additional coordination.

Lessons identified during the exercise will be incorporated into emergency plans and future training.

The Offutt AFB Defenders of Freedom Air & Space Show is scheduled for Aug. 8-9. The event requires extensive coordination among installation personnel, emergency responders, government agencies, and community support organizations.

The exercise was part of the installation's continuing efforts to maintain readiness and strengthen relationships with community partners. 

(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Charles Bolden, Charles J. Haymond, D.P. Heard, and Chad Watkins)