Guard and Local Partners Set to Begin Disaster Exercise in Memphis

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Military Department will conduct next week one of the largest statewide disaster preparedness exercises in its history.

Named Tennessee Maneuvers 2016, the exercise involves more than 50 Army and Air National Guard units training alongside fire departments, law enforcement agencies, paramedics, and a host of other emergency organizations. Participants will practice responding to disaster scenarios allowing them the opportunity to work together and perfect their response skills. 

Exercise activities in Memphis will occur Jun 20-23 and are based on the catastrophic New Madrid Fault line scenario-essentially, establishing command at Memphis airport and coordinating aftermath events of a disastrous earthquake. 

On Wednesday, June 22, 2016, the public can observe one of the disaster drill events outside the Shelby County Office of Preparedness Emergency Operations Center, 1075 Mullins Station Road, from 8:30 a.m. through Noon.

"The Tennessee Army and Air National Guard Military Police and Security Forces will drive tactical vehicles to 1075 Mullins Station to simulate how food and water would be distributed after a catastrophic seismic event. This will be a great opportunity for citizens to interact with military members, learn about their equipment and have photo opportunities," said Colonel A. Trautman, 164 Mission Support Group Commander.

One of the highlights of the event will feature a Tennessee Army National Guard UH-72 Lakota helicopter. It will land on the lawn in front of the county's operations center. Pilots will give tours of the special-use helicopter.

"Our staff at the Shelby County Office of Preparedness will be on hand to give out disaster preparedness information, specifically about how to stay safe for at least three days following an earthquake. Law enforcement, fire and emergency responders may not be able to respond quickly if bridges fall and roads are damaged," said Dale Lane, Director of the Shelby County Office of Preparedness.

For more information about Tennessee Maneuvers 2016, go to http://www.tnmilitary.org/tennessee-maneuvers.html, or contact CW4 Nick Atwood at (615) 313-0835.