DVIDS – News – Ohio’s 52nd Civil Support Team sharpens its skills in comprehensive training in San Diego

March 13, 2024 | Spc. Max Elliott, 196th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
SAN DIEGO, Calif. — In a striking demonstration of its readiness and operational strength, the Ohio National Guard’s 52nd Civil Support Team, known for its expertise in dealing with chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high explosive threats, recently completed a comprehensive training mission in San Diego, Calif. The special forces unit embarked on the mission to hone its skills in rapid deployment through airlift and handling potential CBRNE incidents, underscoring its critical role in maintaining national and public safety.

The strategic choice of San Diego as a training location presented unique challenges and opportunities for the 52nd Regiment. The initial phase of the exercise took place at Naval Air Station North Island on Coronado Island in the heart of San Diego Bay and presented the first scenario: a simulated radiological threat from mishandled materials and a subsequent cover-up attempt that required close coordination with naval authorities to keep the situation safely under control.

“The key to our success is our ability to work effectively with multiple agencies to ensure a unified response to any threat,” said Lt. Col. Katie Enochs, 52nd CST commander. “Exercises like this one in San Diego are invaluable in enhancing those collaborative skills.”

The exercise tested the team’s technical capabilities and highlighted the paramount importance of interagency cooperation. Exercises such as this underscore CST’s commitment to fostering solid partnerships with other emergency response organizations.

“In order to respond smoothly and effectively, it is critical to strengthen relationships with other agencies before an emergency occurs,” Enochs explained.

Following the radiological exercise, the team’s adaptability was further tested at Naval Base San Diego with a scenario in which a suspicious package led to the discovery of a possible methamphetamine lab. The transition from a radiological to a chemical threat demonstrated the breadth of the CST’s training and preparation.

“Adaptability to unfamiliar situations is a cornerstone of our training philosophy. It ensures our team remains versatile and ready for action,” commented Captain Amin Ansari, deputy commander of the 52nd CST.

The last exercise involved the CST’s response to an outbreak of influenza and fever-like illness on a naval vessel. This exercise not only tested the medical and operational readiness of the response teams, but also highlighted the critical role of interagency cooperation in managing health emergencies.

The realism of these exercises, inspired by actual incidents, played a critical role in improving the team’s readiness to operate in the real world. “Our training is designed to prepare us for anything,” commented Ansari. “The ability to quickly adapt our approach to the situation at hand is a key strength of our team.”

Regarding the logistical aspects of the mission, Sergeant Tyler Jaeb, a CBRN noncommissioned officer, said, “The logistics of the deployment from Ohio to San Diego underscored the importance of our rapid response capabilities and confirmed our readiness to be able to mobilize quickly in the event of any threat.”

When responding to CBRNE incidents, they are prepared to deploy a forward team within 90 minutes and the main force within three hours. Given the evolving global threat landscape, the 52nd CST remains committed to maintaining its readiness and responsiveness.

“Through continuous training and staying informed about current events and emerging threats, we ensure our team is always ready to respond,” said Enochs, emphasizing the team’s commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.

The CST’s willingness to act quickly and effectively reflects its commitment to excellence and precision in all operations.
“It is vital to ensure our communities have confidence in the support and resources we provide,” Jaeb noted. “Our unwavering commitment to public service drives us forward.”

The 52nd CST’s demanding training mission in San Diego not only validated its readiness to counter a broad spectrum of CBRNE threats, but also underscored its critical position within the national security architecture. The unit embodies its credo of “First to Respond, Ohio and Beyond” and exemplifies a relentless pursuit of excellence and a forward-thinking attitude toward operational readiness. As a beacon of resilience, preparedness, and unparalleled expertise, the 52nd CST is always ready to meet any challenge and embodies its motto in every mission to keep the public safe.