Connecticut Air National Guard strengthens readiness through Major Accident Response Exercise

DVIDS – News – Connecticut Air National Guard strengthens readiness through Major Accident Response Exercise

Connecticut Air National Guard strengthens readiness through Major Accident Response Exercise

CONNECTICUT, UNITED STATES

08.07.2026

Story by Capt. Jennifer Kaprielian 

103rd Airlift Wing, Bradley Air National Guard Base

Connecticut Air National Guard strengthens readiness through Major Accident Response Exercise
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EAST GRANBY, Conn. – The 103d Airlift Wing conducted a Major Accident Response Exercise on July 30, 2026, to evaluate the wing’s response capabilities in potential emergency situations. Led and evaluated by the 103d Safety Office, responders reacted to a simulated aircraft mishap scenario

In addition to fire, police, safety, medical, and other agencies that respond to an aircraft mishap, one key component of these emergency operations is the Crash, Damaged, or Disabled Aircraft Recovery (CDDAR) team. This group is made up of various members of the Maintenance Group and requires members to complete specialized training in addition to their primary job duties. CDDAR Airmen are trained to move disabled aircraft, to lift aircraft without damaging them further, and to preserve the scene for investigators. They use a variety of heavy tools, including cranes, large hooks, special sleds, and giant airbags.

During the exercise, the Connecticut Air National Guard CDDAR team simulated lifting an aircraft to free a C-130 Hercules wheel from the mud. Team members connected pressure gauges to a specialized airbag system and inflated the airbags, stopping short of actually lifting the aircraft. The process allowed the team to practice procedures for safely recovering a disabled aircraft

Exercises like this MARE are crucial for strengthening and maintaining the CTANG’s ability to react to any number of emergency situations. The 103d Airlift Wing is located adjacent to Bradley International Airport, meaning that aircraft mishaps may require a coordinated response from multiple agencies, both within and beyond the installation. In such emergency situations, the ability of these agencies to communicate quickly and effectively to enact emergency protocols is paramount

“This exercise is critical to the wing’s preparedness and also validated our unit Mishap Response Plan,” said Lt. Col. Joshua Linden, the chief of safety for the Connecticut Air National Guard. “It was a terrific opportunity to coordinate across agencies and to practice specific skills like debogging, lifting, and moving disabled aircraft.” Linden, who planned and coordinated the exercise, will use data from the MARE to identify opportunities to improve the wing’s emergency response procedures.

Overall, the exercise provided an opportunity for 103d Airmen and partner agencies to practice emergency response procedures in a realistic training environment while identifying areas for continued improvement. Exercises like this MARE help ensure the Connecticut Air National Guard remains prepared to respond quickly, safely, and effectively during real-world emergencies

The 103d Airlift Wing, Connecticut Air National Guard, is based at Bradley Air National Guard Base in East Granby, Connecticut. The 103d provides trained, equipped, and mission-ready Airmen to support federal and state requirements, including tactical airlift, aeromedical evacuation, and domestic operations—anywhere, anytime

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