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Air Force Emergency Managers work to keep Bahrain International Airshow safe

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Joseph Kapinos
  • AFCENT Combat Camera Team
MANAMA, Bahrain --  Aircraft and aircrews alike take center stage at airshows as people admire the modern aviation technology in today's fighter jets, transport planes and helicopters.

Behind the scenes -- people do their jobs with less recognition - hard-working individuals ensuring events unfold smoothly as planned.

Among the Airmen representing the U.S. at the inaugural Bahrain International Airshow Jan. 21 to 23 here was a pair of Air Force Emergency Managers working with their Bahraini counterparts to ensure any incident or emergency was handled safely and quickly. They traveled to the small island-nation of Bahrain to represent the United States and the Air Force.

"I am proud to be returning to Bahrain for this event," said Master Sgt. Timothy Capps, a U.S. Air Forces Central Command functional-area manager, from Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. "This is the second time I have been here and they [Bahrainis] are a warm, friendly people. To be here now representing my country at their first air show is just awesome."

At airshows in the United States, emergency managers plan for emergency service responses during the event. They specialize in coordinating with police, fire and medical officials.

With this event, the two emergency managers had to adapt to working with a foreign nation.

"Here in Bahrain, we really don't have any response capability that we have control over," Sergeant Capps said. "But we work closely with the Bahrainis to set up a plan to take care of our assets should the need arise."

Situated out of a command post, the two managers were in constant contact with local military and civilian officials. Their connection didn't end until all of the U.S. aircraft returned to the skies. They also work very closely with senior Air Force officers in charge of the U.S. participation in the show.

"We have a network established here linking everyone together so communication, which is absolutely vital in an emergency, is working properly and everyone is aware of any changes," said Senior Master Sgt. Daniel Zent, Air Forces Forward emergency management program manager and Guardsman from the Montana Air National Guard.

"Whether it's a change to the force protection status or an aircraft incident, our leadership can be instantly aware of the situation and make the appropriate decisions," he said.

Along with Bahraini officials, Sergeants Zent and Capps worked closely with the lead U.S. military organization, U.S. Navy Central Command.

"We have to stay in constant communication with NAVCENT because they may be the organization that will have the best support we need based on the situation," Sergeant Zent said.

While not in front of the crowds, highlighting aircraft and speaking about airpower, these two professionals were vital to the overall success of the airshow.

They also saw the event as an opportunity to share knowledge and further build on the relationship between the United States and the Kingdom of Bahrain.

"This is a great opportunity for us to share our knowledge in the emergency management world with a partner nation," Sergeant Zent said.

"To be able to build our relationship is very important," Sergeant Capps added. "I really look forward to their next airshow and working with them again."