Military First Responders Conduct Active Shooter Drill at Guam Fuel Farm
Military first responders recently conducted an active shooter drill at the Sasa Valley Fuel Farm in Piti, Guam. The simulated incident involved a shooter bypassing the gate and opening fire on three civilians before turning the weapon on herself. Naval security forces from the nearby Naval Base Guam swiftly arrived on the scene to secure the facility and search for any potential secondary gunmen.
Simultaneously, Joint Region Fire and Emergency Services arrived to assess the casualties, tend to the wounded, and provide support to any bystanders who may have been in shock. Military leadership and training officers closely observed the responders to evaluate their performance during the drill.
The exercise, which took place as part of the annual five-day Exercise Citadel Pacific, aimed to test the readiness of naval security forces and other agencies on base in responding to security threats. Specifically, the drill assessed their ability to make quick decisions in shoot, no shoot situations, where they must differentiate between bystanders and potential threats.
In preparation for the exercise, the Navy first responders and emergency operations personnel were aware that a simulation would occur but were not informed of the location, timing, or nature of the threat they would face. However, intelligence was leaked gradually in the weeks leading up to the drill, giving security personnel some clues to help them anticipate the scenario.
According to Michael Brown, the Naval Base Guam training officer, the security forces executed their duties effectively, utilizing the available information. Immediately following the drill, a debriefing known as a hot wash was conducted to evaluate the response and identify areas for improvement. The lessons learned from this exercise will be taken into account for future drills and training sessions.
Senior Chief Travis Wharton, the senior enlisted adviser for Naval Base Guam’s Security Department, emphasized the significance of training for military personnel. He stressed that consistent training is vital to keep skills sharp and ensure readiness when it matters most.
The ongoing Citadel Pacific exercises have proven productive, with high levels of morale and motivation among the personnel. Wharton acknowledged that there are areas for improvement in tactics, techniques, and procedures, which is precisely why these drills are essential.
In conclusion, the recent active shooter drill at the Guam Fuel Farm showcased the swift and coordinated response of military first responders. Through these simulated exercises, naval security forces and emergency services continue to strive for peak readiness to effectively handle any security threats that may arise.
