KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- When a mission-critical aircraft returns to a base contaminated by radiation, every second counts. To prepare for that possibility, Airmen from the 18th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron’s Bioenvironmental Engineering Flight joined forces with the 82nd Reconnaissance Squadron and the 18th Civil Engineer Squadron’s Emergency Management Flight during Radiant Falcon at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Oct. 14–17, 2025.
The exercise combined hands-on training to strengthen response capabilities to a simulated radiological contamination scenario involving an aircraft. The goal: to ensure mission continuity while protecting personnel through effective radiation monitoring and control.
The multi-day training began with in-depth planning sessions and safety briefings to lay the foundation for field operations. Airmen reviewed radiation safety principles, and procedures before transitioning to tabletop exercises to walk through each step in a controlled environment.
By day three, participants applied their training in realistic field conditions, emphasizing coordination between units and sharpening decision-making under pressure.
Responders and maintenance personnel used electronic personal dosimeters to measure radiation exposure and assess potential contamination on the aircraft. Bioenvironmental technicians then provided health risk assessments and situational updates to commanders to guide mission decisions.
“This training isn’t just about learning the technical side of radiation response, it’s about giving our Airmen the confidence to step up and lead when it counts,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Antonio Aguilera, 18th OMRS bioenvironmental engineering non-commissioned officer in charge. “Whether it’s briefing a commander or making on-the-spot decisions in the field, we want them to feel capable and ready to take charge.”
Each scenario practiced during Radiant Falcon focuses on the original objective of safeguarding the force and ensuring mission success.
“We operate in a region with near-peer competitors who may seek to test our readiness,” said U.S. Air Force Major Joseph Furman, 18th OMRS bioenvironmental engineering commander. “Exercises like this ensure we’re prepared to respond decisively to any threat – anytime, anywhere.”
Training alongside multiple squadrons provided participants a broader understanding of how their roles fit into the larger mission. Radiant Falcon also identified opportunities for improvement and reinforced the importance of teamwork and cross-unit communication.
“We’re grateful to all of our mission partners who helped make this training a success. ,” said Furman. “It takes time, coordination, and dedication from everyone involved. I’d also like to thank our leadership for giving us the environment and support to train together and grow stronger as a team.”
Exercises like Radiant Falcon are essential to enhancing 18th Wing’s war fighting capabilities, interoperability across Kadena, and strengthening readiness to face chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear threats. Through consistent, realistic training, Kadena Airmen continue to refine the skills needed to respond to any contingency — protecting the mission, the base, and the Indo-Pacific region.