From sky to sea: test squadron supports Navy in biological protection

The 28th Test and Evaluation Squadron provides support of the operational test assessment of the U.S. Navy’s Enhanced Maritime Biological Protection System, a new system to detect biological substances that could be harmful to the ship’s crew, such as anthrax.

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — The 28th Test and Evaluation Squadron provides support of the operational test assessment of the U.S. Navy’s Enhanced Maritime Biological Protection System, a new system to detect biological substances that could be harmful to the ship’s crew, such as anthrax.

Joseph Thiering, Navy Operational Test and Evaluation Force, said following the conclusion of the test, his team will create a report that allows decision-makers to field the system to the fleets.

For detection currently, the Joint Biological Point Detection System is used across the DoD and on Navy ships. The Enhanced Maritime Biological Protection System is specifically designed for the Navy, with improved detection capability.

The 28th TES built the apparatus that allows biological substances to be safely introduced to the Enhanced Maritime Biological Protection System to provide accurate testing of these systems. Because of this, the 28th TES is uniquely equipped to execute these tests. They worked with the Navy in the past on systems such as the Joint Expeditionary Collective Protection System.

Thiering said the 28th TES has been an excellent team of professionals supporting an important test designed to protect Sailors.

Story & photos by By 1st Lt. Savannah Bray