Base exercises planned Aug. 1 - 5 Published July 27, 2011 WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Base employees and visitors may experience gate delays, temporary facility closures and interruptions to certain services related to emergency response exercises planned here the week of Aug.1 - 5. Most base operations will continue as scheduled during this time with minimal disruptions, but personnel should expect tightened security and plan ahead for possible delays throughout the installation. Carmen Riches, 88th Air Base Wing chief of exercises, said the quarterly exercises will include a number of scenarios which will generate response by fire, rescue, security forces, specialized teams and other emergency responders. Those working or living on and near the base may hear use of "Giant Voice" loudspeakers to make announcements. Much of the visible exercise activity will take place during normal daylight duty hours. With the exception of brief periods of increased traffic congestion at base gates, most exercise activity will be transparent to the general public. Ms. Riches noted the activity will enable Exercise Evaluation Team members to evaluate compliance with several base plans such as the Installation Deployment and Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan. "People on base can anticipate some facilities to be cordoned off following a simulated threat or event," said Ms. Riches. "Evacuation or shelter-in-place procedures will be exercised at some buildings." Unit deployment readiness and training will be evaluated, along with command and control, and effective communications. Selected Airmen will be called upon to demonstrate their knowledge and performance in wartime skills. "As always, we want people to be safe and smart in all of their activities. Be alert for things that look out of the ordinary and practice good Operational Security. All of this training helps us hone our skills so we can respond more capably during an actual emergency. "