GILLETTE, Wyo. — On June 13, Campbell County will partner with the Wyoming National Guard to conduct an emergency response drill, the county announced today.
With the Vigilant Guard 23-3 Exercise, organizers seek to enhance public safety and community preparedness, a Campbell County news release said. The Northeast Wyoming Regional Airport, SkyWest/United Express, Campbell County Fire Department, Campbell County Sheriff’s Office, Campbell County Emergency Management, Campbell County Health, Salvation Army, Civil Air Patrol and North East Wyoming Amateur Radio Association will partner for the exercise. The full, statewide exercise will be a week long, but the only day Campbell County is actively exercising is June 13.
Vigilant Guard is an annual all-hazards exercise sponsored by U.S. Northern Command and the National Guard Bureau with support from FEMA, according to a National Guard article. The exercises take place around the country.
There will be increased military traffic in Campbell County from the evening of June 12 through June 14, the release said. C-130s and Black Hawk helicopters will be present. On June 13, there will be additional local emergency vehicles and personnel presence at Northeast Wyoming Regional Airport as the full-scale drill is conducted.
“As is the nature of a full-scale drill, it will appear there is a significant event happening at the airport with the presence of emergency vehicles, military vehicles and multiple low-flying aircraft,” the release said. “The movement of emergency vehicles and aircraft are part of the exercise and not an actual emergency.”
While multiple agencies will be involved in the exercise, county services will be provided as usual, according to the release. For example, activities at the airport are scheduled around regular commercial flights for the day.
“Campbell County and the Wyoming National Guard assures the public that every precaution has been taken to minimize disruptions and maintain the safety of communities throughout the exercise,” the release said.
Residents may experience traffic delays near exercise locations, and they should follow the direction of emergency personnel at the scene, the release said.
For more information about Vigilant Guard 23-3 and its impact on local communities, contact Alyssa Hinckley at 307-772-5040 or alyssa.b.hinckley.civ@army.mil.
