MILLINGTON, TN (abc24.com) - Complete with explosions and hostages, the Millington Naval Base was transformed into the scene of a terrorist attack Wednesday. It was a way for emergency crews across Shelby County to prepare for the real thing.
It was the final scenario in two weeks of exercises for the base. More than 20 Millington High School Junior ROTC students were immediately in the middle of a fake hostage negotiation.
Captain Steve Fimble, the commander of the exercise, said the scenario is a way to see how emergency responders and different agencies work together.
"Communication is a challenge but that's something we always overcome," he said. "We all operate differently and by exercising together once or twice a year we understand how the other organization operates better and we can communicate better, and we also utilize each other's strengths."
Emergency crews from Shelby County, Millington and Bartlett worked with the Navy to not only respond, but handle negotiations and deal with the aftermath in the worst case scenario.
Fimble said all responders learn, grow and create a plan to best serve their community. "That is a huge force multiplier for us, we can use anyone in the area, they can use us."
All Navy bases across the U.S. are participating in the two weeks of training. Thursday is the final day of the exercise, when they discuss what needs to be improved upon.
