Golden Coyote 2014

U.S. Army Spc. Adam North, South Dakota Army National Guard 451st Engineering Detachment Firefighting Team specialist, looks for casualties during simulated search and rescue training as part of the 2014 Golden Coyote exercise at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., June 11, 2014. The U.S. military reserve components and international forces routinely conduct joint training in support of overseas contingency operations and homeland defense. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Hada/Released)

Golden Coyote 2014

U.S. Army Spc. Adam North, South Dakota Army National Guard 451st Engineering Detachment Firefighting Team specialist, practices evacuation techniques in a simulated burning structure as part of the 2014 Golden Coyote exercise at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., June 11, 2014. The exercise allows firefighters to safely improve search and rescue capabilities and fire response skills. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Hada/Released)

Golden Coyote 2014

Firefighters assigned to the South Dakota Army National Guard 451st Engineering Detachment Firefighting Team, look for casualties during simulated search and rescue training as part of the 2014 Golden Coyote exercise at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., June 11, 2014. The joint training exercise consists of three-phases and is conducted annually each June. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Hada/Released)

Golden Coyote 2014

U.S. Army Spc. Adam North, South Dakota Army National Guard 451st Engineering Detachment Firefighting Team specialist, evacuates a casualty from a simulated burning structure as part of the 2014 Golden Coyote exercise at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., June 11, 2014. Units from 17 states and three foreign countries participated in the exercise, allowing them to focus on training designed to prepare for real-world contingencies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Hada/Released)

Ellsworth supports SDNG’s Golden Coyote exercise for real-world contingency training

Published June 25, 2014
By Senior Airman Zachary Hada
28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- Ellsworth continued its history of providing vital assets and support during the South Dakota National Guard's 30th Golden Coyote training exercise June 7 to 21.

This year's exercise provided participants from 45 Air Force, Army and Navy military units representing 15 states and personnel from four foreign nations with realistic training scenarios focused on honing skills required for overseas contingency operations and homeland defense.

Maj. Anthony Deiss, SDNG public affairs officer, said participants engaged in various training tasks and battle drills such as combat patrols, urban combat operations, land navigation, first aid, casualty evacuation and convoy operations.

"Participating units train[ed] on their equipment, conduct[ed] military operations and employ[ed] tactics, as well as complete[d] various engineer projects and humanitarian missions that will help improve the forest and infrastructure of many local communities," Deiss said.

Ellsworth Airmen from a wide range of career fields provided vital support and services to ensure the success of the exercise. For example, Services Airmen from the 28th Force Support Squadron served more than 700 servicemembers breakfast and dinner at Camp Lancer throughout the duration of the training.

In addition to support and services, many Airmen participated in various training scenarios such as the high angle rescue exercise.

During the high angle exercise, firefighters from the 28th Civil Engineer Squadron and SDNG's 451st Engineer Detachment practiced techniques they would utilize if victims become stranded or trapped in a location not easily accessible from the ground.

U.S. Army Spc. Adam North, SDNG 451st ED firefighter, said he appreciated having the chance to test skills he and his fellow firefighters rarely get to use.

"This opportunity to train is invaluable and prepares us for things we might face during real-world situations," said North. "Every year we come out to Ellsworth and the people here have been real helpful and supportive with assisting us with our training."