In the serene rural backdrop of Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, airmen clothed head to toe in yellow protective suits, rubber boots, and gas masks participated in a groundbreaking exercise that tested their readiness to handle and recover an F-16 fighter jet exposed to nuclear radiation. The exercise, known as Radiant Falcon, spanned three days and marked the first of its kind at this installation.
Airmen underwent classroom lessons, followed by a practical dress rehearsal where they simulated receiving and relaunching an aircraft contaminated by radiation.
“The airplane has been exposed to some type of radiation and is returning to a deployed location,” explained Staff Sgt. Donel Wanton, a bioenvironmental engineer for the 52nd Fighter Wing, summarizing the scenario that unfolded during Radiant Falcon.
The exercise drew more than 30 airmen from diverse career fields, showcasing the Air Force’s emphasis on agile deployment and multifaceted skill sets.
Participants wielded electronic personal dosimeters and other detection tools to gauge individual radiation levels and the presence of radioactive particles in the air and on the aircraft.
The task at hand was not only to scrutinize the pilot’s condition but also to ensure the protection of those recovering the aircraft and subsequently decontaminating the plane.
As the F-16—already parked in a hardened aircraft shelter—was reported to be 20 minutes out, airmen donned their protective suits, readying for its arrival.
Instructors from Alliance Solutions Group in Newport News, Virginia, guided the airmen through the hypothetical scenario where adversaries employed tactical nuclear weapons against allies.
“The idea is ‘How does the Air Force continue the mission?’ How do we keep the aircraft flying and keep the people safe at the same time?” said Joe Potaczek, an instructor involved in the training.
The implications of the exercise were broad, extending beyond military conflict to potential peacetime incidents like nuclear plant accidents, reminiscent of the Fukushima disaster in 2011. However, officials emphasized that the training was not in direct response to current events in Europe or other parts of the world.
Potaczek’s organization, which has previously conducted similar exercises with mobility and fighter units in the United States, introduced this training in Europe. It was first held a year ago at Ramstein Air Base, and sessions have since extended to Aviano Air Base in Italy, with plans for RAF Lakenheath in England to follow.
The airmen entered data into an Excel spreadsheet to calculate hypothetical radiation exposure during the exercise. Such information is vital for commanders to assess risks accurately.
Communication in gas masks relied on hand signals, with a tap on the head indicating illness. Careful inspection of the plane’s air intake was crucial, with Tech. Sgt. Kayla Bradford, a phase dock inspection chief, noting that any signs of damage could point to contamination requiring engine replacement.
The exercise culminated with a review of lessons learned, aiming to quickly ascertain the aircraft’s condition and facilitate its return to service.
This innovative training at Spangdahlem is a testament to the strategic evolution of the Air Force, ensuring that, even in the face of nuclear threats, the mission goes on, and safety remains paramount.