Aviano Airmen test readiness with 'mystery package'

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Justin Goodrich
  • Det. 8, Air Force News Agency
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy (AFNEWS) --  Aviano Air Base first responders were put to the test as a suspicious package was found at the base post office during a base exercise April 20.

The scene at the post office was intense with Airmen quickly responding after an Airman noticed the package looked out of place and quickly called for backup.

"The package was obviously suspicious there was no return address, the name was misspelled, and (it) had excessive postage," said Senior Airman Antonio Galan, a postal clerk. "That is the kind of thing we learn to look for when we receive packages."

Evaluators observed the exercise players to make sure they followed the correct procedures. The U.S. military is under constant threat by terrorists, and that's why Airmen maintain their readiness at all times.

An explosive ordnance disposal team responded in their protective suit and checked the package while bioenvironmental Airmen suited up and tested for signs of chemicals agents. Every step was done carefully to keep everyone safe.

"It is very important we always remain vigilant and ready, and that as a wing if anything happens, we have the right people at the right time able to respond," said Master Sgt. Zak Ziyad, an exercise evaluator.

"We assess the situation, make sure that it's safe and secure for people to move, and if not, (we) mitigate the situation," Sergeant Ziyad said. "It's challenging, but it's nothing we haven't done before."

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