McGuire Airmen support downed satellite cleanup task force

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Rebekah Phy
  • 305th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MCGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. (AFPN) --  McGuire Air Force Base members recently provided support for Joint Task Force Operation Burnt Frost to recover debris from a nonfunctional satellite shot down Feb. 20.

The Navy shot down the bus-sized satellite to dissipate approximately 1,000 pounds of hydrazine, a hazardous fuel which could pose a danger to people before it entered into Earth's atmosphere. 

Members of the 305th Services Squadron provided last-minute accommodations to JTF members while Airmen of the 305th Aerial Port Squadron loaded 65 tons of cargo. The 305th Communications Squadron members also provided an array of communications support to the team.

The JTF was formed to respond for recovery and consequence management operations if the satellite, or debris, fell to Earth. The JTF is comprised of more than 130 members from 15 agencies including members from all five services, a hydrazine response team, Environmental Protection Agency members, firefighters and hazardous materials experts.

"As an aerial porter, I'm involved in a lot of great missions, but this made history," said Tech. Sgt. Jason Berberick from the 305th APS. 

"The JTF stood up in six days with members from around the country forming a response capability just days after the concept for the operation was conceived," said Army Brig. Gen. Jeff Horne, the JTF commander. "I've never seen a unit respond as well as this air base has to meet the needs of the joint force commander."

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