45th CST showcases unique capabilities at Gulf Coast exercise
MOBILE, Ala. – Members of the Tennessee National Guard’s 45th Civil Support Team participated in a multi-state exercise in Mobile, from June 11-16. Collaborating with CSTs from Florida, Georgia, and Alabama, the Tennessee team participated in comprehensive classroom training, informative briefings, and engaging hands-on exercises throughout the week. Notably, the 45th CST conducted a dynamic ropes training mission, simulating a medical rescue using advanced rappelling techniques and procedures.
The primary mission of the 45th CST is to provide support to civilian authorities during chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or natural disaster incidents. Comprised of 22 highly trained Soldiers and Airmen, the team is equipped to respond rapidly and assist emergency agencies in handling highly dangerous situations. The team members specialize in various areas such as medical response, reconnaissance and surveillance, decontamination, and rope rescue techniques.
“This is a dense urban terrain exercise that gives us a chance to go out and sharpen our skillset,” said Lt. Col. Trey Robinson, 45th CST Commander. “We have many capabilities and ropes is a perishable skill that we need to work on constantly; this exercise allows us to do that.”
In situations where local agencies require assistance in rescuing injured hikers, climbers, or individuals in hard-to-reach positions, the CST stands ready to respond swiftly.
“Our mission is to respond and assist to natural and man-made disasters,” said 45th CST 1st Sgt., Wendell Reed. “Sometimes that can be disaster response or that can be a rescue like the one in this scenario. We must be prepared for whatever call we may receive so the more hands-on training we can get, the more proficient we will be.”
The CST has established a longstanding partnership with Mountain Ropes Safety Courses, a training school located outside Chattanooga. These training sessions have significantly contributed to the 45th CST's expertise in ropes safety. During the Gulf Coast exercise, members of the school offered their valuable guidance and ensured that the Guardsmen adhered to the highest safety standards.
“We have a great relationship with Pat (Wagner) and the team down at Signal Mountain,” said Reed. “They are truly experts in this area. Whenever we can learn from people like that it only makes us better at what we do.”
This exercise was just one among the numerous training missions conducted by the 45th CST each year to ensure proficiency in their unique areas of expertise. Over the past four years, the 45th CST has responded to over 70 pre-staged and emergency missions, ranging from the collection and analysis of hazardous materials to the successful rescue of injured civilians stranded on treacherous cliffs. The CST's diverse skill set positions them as an invaluable asset, ready to provide assistance and support to communities throughout Tennessee.
Sgt. 1st Class Jacinda Aguilera, a member of Smyrna’s 45th Civil Support Team, is lifted onto a platform high above Fort Whiting, Alabama, June 13, during a ropes rescue exercise. The 45th CST traveled to southern Alabama with other CSTs in the southeast region, from June 11-16, to sharpen their skillsets in a rapid response exercise. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Cordeiro)
Sgt. Joel Delarosa, a member of Smyrna’s 45th Civil Support Team, is raised up a repel tower with a simulated patient at Fort Whiting, Alabama, June 13, during a ropes rescue exercise. The 45th CST traveled to southern Alabama with other CSTs in the southeast region, from June 11-16, to sharpen their skillsets in a rapid response exercise. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Cordeiro)
Sgt. 1st Class Jacinda Aguilera and Sgt. Joel Delarosa, both members of Smyrna’s 45th Civil Support Team, render aid to a simulated patient at Fort Whiting, Alabama, June 13, during a ropes rescue exercise. The 45th CST traveled to southern Alabama with other CSTs in the southeast region, from June 11-16, to sharpen their skillsets in a rapid response exercise. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Cordeiro)