US, Kyrgyz share emergency response techniques

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Lynsie Nichols
  • 376th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
TRANSIT CENTER AT MANAS, Kyrgyzstan (AFNS) --  Emergency responders from the Kyrgyz Ministries of Emergency Services, Interior and Defense exchanged information on explosive ordnance disposal and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high-yield explosives response with U.S. service members Feb. 22 here.

"By bringing the Kyrgyz Ministry of Defense here, we were able to share our capabilities with them and have the opportunity to learn from them as well," said Tech. Sgt. John Combs, a 376th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron emergency management representative.

The military-to-military event was part of a continuing information exchange partnership that familiarizes Kyrgyz experts with U.S. Air Force CBRNE and EOD tactics, techniques and procedures.

One of the demonstrations included EOD technicians showing the capabilities of a robot that is used to assess a scene without putting people at risk.

"The robots are used to give us remote capabilities when dealing with any kind of explosives or devices meant to kill you," said Tech. Sgt. Justin Krautkremer, a 376th ECES EOD technician.

Members of the Kyrgyz Ministry of Defense practiced using the robot.

"I was very impressed with how quickly they picked up the techniques (of the robot)," Krautkremer said. "They had it down in 10 to 15 minutes."

Krautkremer said he enjoyed the opportunity to work with his Kyrgyz counterparts.

"I loved getting to see them play with the robot and seeing their enjoyment," he said. "They definitely got into it. It was fun to see."

Combs said he thought the day brought great opportunities for both the Kyrgyz and the military members stationed at the Transit Center.

"I think this is something that will enhance our capability to be able to have community outreach and help us engage with our Kyrgyz partners and establish better relationships," he said. "We were able to build those informal and professional relationships that are important for being successful in the military."