Joint aircraft accident drill set for Dec. 11, impacts expected

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — The 96th Test Wing will conduct a joint aircraft mass casualty response exercise on Dec. 11, requiring the closure of General Bond Boulevard from 8 a.m. to noon.

The exercise, which involves a simulated airline crash, will test the wing’s ability to coordinate with multiple agencies and evaluate emergency response plans for Eglin Air Force Base and the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport.

Officials said the drill also satisfies the airport’s tri-annual review of its emergency action plan.

Participants will include local fire departments from Eglin, Ocean City Wright, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, North Bay, and Okaloosa Island; Okaloosa County’s emergency management and medical services; the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office; the 96th Security Forces Squadron; and state and federal agencies such as the Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and FBI.

Medical support will come from the 96th Medical Group, Air Methods, HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital, Emerald Coast Healthcare Coalition, Fort Walton Beach Medical Center, and the District One Medical Examiner’s Office.

The 96th Test Wing’s Safety Office and Force Support Squadron will lead simulated search and recovery efforts as part of the drill.

Motorists and nearby residents may notice smoke, emergency vehicles, and individuals with simulated injuries in the area around General Bond Boulevard, State Road 85, and the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport cargo area.

Simulated injuries will also be treated at the 96th Medical Group and HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital.

For more information, contact the 96th Test Wing Public Affairs office at (850) 882-3931.