ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Airmen from the 28th Operating Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment shop conducted aircrew chemical defense ensemble training for B-1 aviators at the Mission Employment Center, May 29.

The training prepared Airmen to fly missions in an active chemical environment and included tasks ranging from properly donning chemical protection gear to conducting and processing through a decontamination line.

"What is key about this training is that it prepares us to survive, operate and successfully complete missions under chemical conditions," said Col. Kevin Kennedy, 28th Bomb Wing commander, and training participant.

As part of the training, several 28th OSS Airmen aircrew flight equipment shop Airmen instructed aviators how to wear a special piece of chemical gear that few have experience with - the aircrew emergency respiratory protection system.

"This is my first time going through the training,"said Lt. Col. Jason Yeatts, 28th Operations Group deputy commander, adding it was a great learning experience. "Having all that chemical gear on and flying is challenging. It's hot in those suits."

Unlike other bases where the training is conducted using static aircraft with no flying, trainers utilized the MEC to allow participants to don the gear and conduct simulated training missions.

"It's nice that we're able to do this training in the simulators," Said Yeatts, adding it added a great deal of realism to the overall training.

After the flying portion of the training, trainees were led to an Aircrew Contamination Controlled Area where they went through the painstaking process of systematically removing their chemically- contaminated clothing according to established procedures.

"This training doesn't only help the pilots and aircrew conduct missions in a chemical environment," said Tech. Sgt. Ian Douglas, 28th OSS aircrew flight equipment flight chief. "It also trains our guys in knowing how to properly gear up the aircrew and efficiently decontaminate them afterwards."

Pilots and crew are required to complete the training once per airframe they are assigned. Base trainers are already taking valuable information learned from the recent training to make the next round even more effective for everyone involved.

Staff Sgt. Candace Greene, 28th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment technician, assists Lt. Col. Jason Yeatts, 28th Operations Group deputy commander, with donning gear during aircrew chemical defense ensemble training at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., May 29, 2014. The training prepares aircrew to survive and operate in a chemically contaminated environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Anania Tekurio/Released)

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Airmen from the 28th Operating Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment shop conducted aircrew chemical defense ensemble training for B-1 aviators at the Mission Employment Center, May 29.

The training prepared Airmen to fly missions in an active chemical environment and included tasks ranging from properly donning chemical protection gear to conducting and processing through a decontamination line.

"What is key about this training is that it prepares us to survive, operate and successfully complete missions under chemical conditions," said Col. Kevin Kennedy, 28th Bomb Wing commander, and training participant.

As part of the training, several 28th OSS Airmen aircrew flight equipment shop Airmen instructed aviators how to wear a special piece of chemical gear that few have experience with - the aircrew emergency respiratory protection system.

"This is my first time going through the training,"said Lt. Col. Jason Yeatts, 28th Operations Group deputy commander, adding it was a great learning experience. "Having all that chemical gear on and flying is challenging. It's hot in those suits."

Unlike other bases where the training is conducted using static aircraft with no flying, trainers utilized the MEC to allow participants to don the gear and conduct simulated training missions.

"It's nice that we're able to do this training in the simulators," Said Yeatts, adding it added a great deal of realism to the overall training.

After the flying portion of the training, trainees were led to an Aircrew Contamination Controlled Area where they went through the painstaking process of systematically removing their chemically- contaminated clothing according to established procedures.

"This training doesn't only help the pilots and aircrew conduct missions in a chemical environment," said Tech. Sgt. Ian Douglas, 28th OSS aircrew flight equipment flight chief. "It also trains our guys in knowing how to properly gear up the aircrew and efficiently decontaminate them afterwards."

Pilots and crew are required to complete the training once per airframe they are assigned. Base trainers are already taking valuable information learned from the recent training to make the next round even more effective for everyone involved.

Senior Airman Christopher Robnett, 28th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment technician, performs a mask wipe and bleach procedure with Col. Kevin Kennedy, 28th Bomb Wing commander, during aircrew chemical defense ensemble training at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., May 29, 2014. Part of the training involved processing through an Aircrew Contamination Controlled Area where trainees had to remove their simulated chemically contaminated gear. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Anania Tekurio/Released)

Staff Sgt. William Haller, 28th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment technician, straps on headgear for Capt. Christopher Ross, 34th Bomb Squadron B-1 pilot, during aircrew chemical defense ensemble training at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., May 29, 2014. The headgear is designed to filter contaminated air, allowing wearers to continue their tasks. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Anania Tekurio/Released)

Senior Airman Christopher Robnett, 28th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment technician, instructs Col. Kevin Kennedy, 28th Bomb Wing commander, on the proper procedure for decontaminating the mask and helmet during an aircrew chemical defense ensemble training at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., May 29, 2014. The mask wipe and helmet decontamination station helps prevent the spread of contaminants. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Anania Tekurio/Released)