Exercise HYDRA STRIKE

A team of Security Forces Specialists from the 183d Wing, Springfield, IL arrest a trespasser attempting to illegally gain access to a military installation during Exercise Hydra Strike in Springfield, IL, May 12, 2024. Exercise Hydra Strike is a multi-day event aimed at preparing 183d Wing members for operations in degraded and challenging scenarios.

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Exercise HYDRA STRIKE

A duo of Security Forces Specialists from the 183d Wing, Springfield, IL take down and subdue a trespasser attempting to illegally gain access to a military installation during Exercise Hydra Strike in Springfield, IL, May 12, 2024. Exercise Hydra Strike is a multi-day event aimed at preparing 183d Wing members for operations in degraded and challenging scenarios.

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Exercise HYDRA STRIKE

A Security Forces Specialist from the 183d Wing, Springfield, IL counters a trespasser attempting to illegally gain access to a military installation during Exercise Hydra Strike in Springfield, IL, May 12, 2024. Exercise Hydra Strike is a multi-day event aimed at preparing 183d Wing members for operations in degraded and challenging scenarios.

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Exercise HYDRA STRIKE

An airman from the 183d Wing's Medical Squadron responds to a simulated structure collapse causing a mass casualty scenario during Exercise HYDRA STRIKE on May 11, 2024 at 183d Wing, Springfield, IL. Exercise HYDRA STRIKE focused on demonstrating the 183d Wing’s ability to generate, employ, and sustain forces at a Main Operating Base (MOB) to a Forward Operating Site (FOS) in an Agile Combat Environment (ACE) scenario May 8-12, 2024.

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Exercise HYDRA STRIKE

A Security Forces Specialist with the 183d Wing, Springfield, IL, simulates checking on an Airman who is a mass casualty participant during Exercise HYDRA STRIKE on May 11, 2024 at 183d Wing, Springfield, IL. Exercise HYDRA STRIKE focused on demonstrating the 183d Wing’s ability to generate, employ, and sustain forces at a Main Operating Base (MOB) to a Forward Operating Site (FOS) in an Agile Combat Environment (ACE) scenario May 8-12, 2024.

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Exercise HYDRA STRIKE

Airmen with the Medical Squadron, 183d Wing, Springfield, IL, respond to a simulated call in from Security Forces of a mass casualty scenario during Exercise HYDRA STRIKE on May 11, 2024 at 183d Wing, Springfield, IL. Exercise HYDRA STRIKE focused on demonstrating the 183d Wing’s ability to generate, employ, and sustain forces at a Main Operating Base (MOB) to a Forward Operating Site (FOS) in an Agile Combat Environment (ACE) scenario May 8-12, 2024.

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Exercise HYDRA STRIKE

A team of Security Forces Specialists from the 183d Wing, Springfield, IL arrest a trespasser attempting to illegally gain access to a military installation during Exercise Hydra Strike in Springfield, IL, May 12, 2024. Exercise Hydra Strike is a multi-day event aimed at preparing 183d Wing members for operations in degraded and challenging scenarios.

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Exercise HYDRA STRIKE

U.S. Air National Guardsman Staff Sgt. Rick Ngbome, with the 183d Wing Medical Squardon, treats an airman during a mass casualty scenario during Exercise HYDRA STRIKE on May 11, 2024 at 183d Wing, Springfield, IL. Exercise HYDRA STRIKE focused on demonstrating the 183d Wing’s ability to generate, employ, and sustain forces at a Main Operating Base (MOB) to a Forward Operating Site (FOS) in an Agile Combat Environment (ACE) scenario May 8-12, 2024.

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Exercise HYDRA STRIKE

Airmen with the 183d Services Flight prepare to respond to a simulated structure collapse following a mass casualty scenario during Exercise HYDRA STRIKE on May 11, 2024 at 183d Wing, Springfield, IL. During mass casualty events, Security Forces and Medical Squardon airmen are responsible for securing and triaging the scene before Services airmen are cleared to conduct mortuary affairs and the collecting of human remains. Exercise HYDRA STRIKE focused on demonstrating the 183d Wing’s ability to generate, employ, and sustain forces at a Main Operating Base (MOB) to a Forward Operating Site (FOS) in an Agile Combat Environment (ACE) scenario May 8-12, 2024.

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HYDRA STRIKE

Published May 21, 2024
By Master Sgt. Shelly Stark
183d Wing

ABRAHAM LINCOLN CAPITAL AIRPORT, SPRINGFIELD, IL --

The 183d Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, conducted a comprehensive military readiness exercise, Exercise HYDRA STRIKE, May 8-12, 2024. Exercise HYDRA STRIKE put the unit's capabilities to the test by simulating Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) threats, requiring personnel to don full Mission Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) gear.

During Exercise HYDRA STRIKE, the 183d Wing faced simulated CBRN attacks on their location. Ground burst simulators were employed to mimic the effects of such attacks, challenging the unit's ability to respond swiftly and effectively. Airmen had to demonstrate proficiency while in MOPP gear, which provides critical protection against CBRN agents.

The Exercise tested the 183d Wing's capability to maintain operations under hostile conditions. Scenarios involved responding to simulated threats at their Main Operating Base (MOB) and subsequently relocating to a Forward Operating Base (FOB) while continuing mission-essential tasks. This comprehensive evaluation ensured the unit's preparedness for real-world contingencies.

A crucial aspect of Exercise HYDRA STRIKE involved Post-Attack Reconnaissance Teams (PARTs) assessing threat levels and gathering intelligence following simulated attacks. These specialized teams played a vital role in evaluating the situation and informing subsequent actions, further enhancing the unit's overall readiness posture.

By conducting exercises like HYDRA STRIKE, the 183d Wing demonstrates its commitment to maintaining a high level of operational readiness. Realistic CBRN scenarios and the use of ground burst simulators provide invaluable training opportunities, ensuring the unit's ability to respond effectively to a wide range of threats.

HYDRA STRIKE is the culmination of two years of training and the final exercise in a four part series of gradually more intense natures to ensure Airmen are prepared and mission ready regardless of the situation. The previous exercises included HYDRA COIL, HYDRA STING, and HYDRA BITE.