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Mission Ready for National Support: 162nd Fatality Search and Recovery Team wraps up training at Nellis Air Force Base

  • Published
  • 162nd Wing

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. - The Fatality Search and Recovery Team from the Morris Air National Guard’s 162nd Force Support Squadron concluded joint training, with Air and Army National Guard units, here, Mar. 1, 2025.  

Members from the 162nd FSRT participated in the Nevada Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Enhanced Response Force Package Sustainment Year Combined Training Event. The 162nd FSRT honed their specialized skills critical to domestic mission readiness, reinforcing their ability to operate in high-risk environments. These exercises ensure 162nd FSRT Airmen are prepared to execute complex, large-scale operations, enabling them to respond swiftly and effectively when called upon. 

Members of the 162nd Wing Fatality Search and Recovery Team document remains during the Nevada Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear Enhanced Response Force Package Sustainment Year Combined Training Event at Nellis Air Force Base, Mar. 1, 2025. Joint exercises, such as the Nevada CBRN CERFP SYCTE enable 162nd Services Airmen to fulfill a specific role in supporting members of the community in times of disaster as part of the FSRT. (U.S,. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Van Whatcott)

Members of the 162nd Wing Fatality Search and Recovery Team document remains during the Nevada Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear Enhanced Response Force Package Sustainment Year Combined Training Event at Nellis Air Force Base, Mar. 1, 2025. Joint exercises, such as the Nevada CBRN CERFP SYCTE enable 162nd Services Airmen to fulfill a specific role in supporting members of the community in times of disaster as part of the FSRT. (U.S,. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Van Whatcott)
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Capt. Jacob Thoman, Liaison Officer, 162nd FSRT, highlighted the team’s critical role in disaster response, reinforcing the ‘train like we fight’ ethos ensuring they are mission-ready for large-scale, real-world operations. 

“Our mission is to support the civilian medical examiner when their resources are overwhelmed or when responding to hazardous environments is too dangerous,” said Thoman. “Through real-world training, we ensure our Airmen are mission-ready to recover and handle remains with dignity and respect, no matter the conditions.” 

Chief Master Sgt. Raul Verdugo, 162nd FSS Senior Enlisted Leader, underscored the importance of this joint training. 

“We’re preparing to respond to disasters-whether it’s a mass casualty incident, a terrorist attack, or a chemical or nuclear event,” Verdugo said. “Our mission is to ensure we are always ready to support our communities, and handle remains with the utmost respect and professionalism. 

(From left to right) Capt. Jacob Thoman, 162nd Wing Liasion Officer for Nevada Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear Enhanced Response Force Package Sustainment Year Combined Training Event; Chief Master Sgt. Raul Verdugo, Senior Enlisted Leader, 162nd Force Support Squadron; and Lt. Col. John Meyer, Commander, 162nd FSS gather for a photo at Nellis Air Force Base, Mar. 1, 2025. The 162nd FSRT trained to respond to a variety of national and state emergencies, demonstrating the 162nd Wing's commitment to mission-readiness and support for both federal and state operations. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Van Whatcott)

(From left to right) Capt. Jacob Thoman, 162nd Wing Liasion Officer for Nevada Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear Enhanced Response Force Package Sustainment Year Combined Training Event; Chief Master Sgt. Raul Verdugo, Senior Enlisted Leader, 162nd Force Support Squadron; and Lt. Col. John Meyer, Commander, 162nd FSS gather for a photo at Nellis Air Force Base, Mar. 1, 2025. The 162nd FSRT trained to respond to a variety of national and state emergencies, demonstrating the 162nd Wing's commitment to mission-readiness and support for both federal and state operations. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Van Whatcott)
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Services Airmen are essential to military mortuary affairs, providing critical support to civilian agencies during crises. As a highly trained team, the 162nd FSRT stands ready to respond to national and state emergencies, showcasing the Air Force’s dedication to mission readiness and its ability to support both federal and state operations when called upon.  

"We participate in these joint training exercises to ensure we’re always ready to respond,” said Staff Sgt. Jose Sandoval, the most recently certified FSRT member. “Although it’s unfortunate that these situations arise, being part of the FSRT means we’re prepared to make a difference when it matters most.” 

The nation’s 27 FSRTs, operating under the CERFP umbrella, are critical assets in disaster response, providing essential support to federal and state agencies. These teams integrate seamlessly with search and extraction teams, emergency medical personnel, and decontamination units, ensuring a coordinated and effective response to large-scale emergencies. 

Members of the 162nd Wing Fatality Search and Recovery Team gather during the Nevada Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear Enhanced Response Force Package Sustainment Year Combined Training Event at Nellis Air Force Base, Mar. 1, 2025. The 162nd FSRT can be activated to provide support anywhere within the Unitd States as an emergency as part of the CERFP, or as a standalone group directly supporting requesting agencies. (U.S,. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Van Whatcott)

Members of the 162nd Wing Fatality Search and Recovery Team gather during the Nevada Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear Enhanced Response Force Package Sustainment Year Combined Training Event at Nellis Air Force Base, Mar. 1, 2025. The 162nd FSRT can be activated to provide support anywhere within the Unitd States as an emergency as part of the CERFP, or as a standalone group directly supporting requesting agencies. (U.S,. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Van Whatcott)
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The 162nd FSRT stands mission-ready to deploy anywhere in the United States, supporting CERFP operations or operating as a standalone unit to assist requesting agencies. 

Based at the Morris Air National Guard Base, the 162nd Wing is home to the Air National Guard’s premier F-16 fighter pilot training unit and is one of the largest ANG wings in the country. With a legacy of training F-16 pilots from 25 nations, the wing plays a vital role in strengthening international partnerships and enhancing national defense, while its FSRT upholds the Air Force’s commitment to readiness and joint operational capability. 

Members of the 162nd Wing Fatality Search and Recovery Team gather during the Nevada Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear Enhanced Response Force Package Sustainment Year Combined Training Event at Nellis Air Force Base, Mar. 1, 2025. Joint exercises, such as the Nevada CBRN CERFP SYCTE emphasize the necessity of readiness and precision, aligning with the 162nd Wing's mission to provide combat-ready Airmen for homeland defense and global operations. (U.S,. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Van Whatcott)

Members of the 162nd Wing Fatality Search and Recovery Team gather during the Nevada Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear Enhanced Response Force Package Sustainment Year Combined Training Event at Nellis Air Force Base, Mar. 1, 2025. Joint exercises, such as the Nevada CBRN CERFP SYCTE emphasize the necessity of readiness and precision, aligning with the 162nd Wing's mission to provide combat-ready Airmen for homeland defense and global operations. (U.S,. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Van Whatcott)
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