319th FSS practices contingency and disaster response procedures

Airmen assigned to the 319th Force Support Squadron set up a generator during a readiness training at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, July 15, 2026. In austere environments where energy infrastructure is not available, generators are used to supply power as needed. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Anthony Nunez-Pellicer)

319th FSS practices contingency and disaster response procedures

1st Lt. Ian Ryals, 319th Force Support Squadron officer in charge of readiness, explains a disaster relief scenario during a readiness training at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, July 15, 2026. The training included a tabletop exercise that allowed airmen to practice the procedures and logistical plans of caring for displaced personnel during an emergency situation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Anthony Nunez-Pellicer)

319th FSS practices contingency and disaster response procedures

Airmen assigned to the 319th Force Support Squadron pass out field cots during a readiness training at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, July 15, 2026. Airmen assigned to the 319th FSS are trained to assemble sleeping areas for hundreds of personnel in cases of disaster relief or deployed environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Anthony Nunez-Pellicer)

319th FSS practices contingency and disaster response procedures

Tech. Sgt. Amelia Soper, 319th Force Support Squadron non-commissioned officer in charge of readiness and plans, briefs airmen during a readiness training at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, July 15, 2026. During the training, airmen constructed field kits that included tables for setting up meal lines, a sink for hygiene and cleaning and a large food heater for cooking and keeping meals warm. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Anthony Nunez-Pellicer)

319th FSS practices contingency and disaster response procedures

Airmen assigned to the 319th Force Support Squadron don their chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear protective gear during a readiness training at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, July 15, 2026. Airmen assigned to the 319th FSS exercise in CBRN protective gear to ensure they can safely and effectively perform their regular duties in a potentially contaminated environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Anthony Nunez-Pellicer)

319th FSS practices contingency and disaster response procedures

Airmen assigned to the 319th Force Support Squadron assemble a field mess kit during a readiness training at Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, July 15, 2026. Field mess kits are used to provide food and shelter in austere environments including deployments and emergency relief operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Anthony Nunez-Pellicer)

319th FSS practices contingency and disaster response procedures

Published July 22, 2026
By Senior Airman Anthony Nunez-Pellicer
3319th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs

GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --

Airmen assigned to the 319th Force Support Squadron participated in contingency response readiness training July 15, 2026, here. During the training, airmen constructed sleeping areas, assembled field mess kits and conducted a table-top exercise to discuss how they would respond during an emergency.

“Training regularly not only helps us retain knowledge, but also helps us improve as we set up these relief areas,” said Tech. Sgt. Amelia Soper, non-commissioned officer in charge of readiness for the 319th FSS. “Our airmen have seen substantial growth in their abilities and seem much more comfortable with the process.”

The 319th FSS conducts a monthly readiness training to ensure airmen have the skills and knowledge to respond to contingencies when deployed or in response to disasters.

In the state of North Dakota, extreme weather events like blizzards are not uncommon in the winter and flooding in the spring seasons. The skills airmen train in preparation for deployment are also applicable in situations like Defense Support of Civil Authorities.

Locally, the airmen of Grand Forks AFB were called to offer DSCA during the Red River Flood of 1997, when the installation housed approximately 3,600 evacuees from the local area. The 319th FSS, then named the 319th Services Squadron, was responsible for providing three meals a day to evacuees while maintaining dining facility operations and assisted in setting up living quarters in an aircraft hangar and the now decommissioned Carl Ben Eielson Elementary School.

“We pride ourselves on staying prepared for disaster events," said 1st Lt. Ian Ryals, officer in charge of readiness for the 319th FSS. “Everyone has a unique role to play and every single person is important in making sure we can be ready and prepared for anything that could happen – disaster, deployment or otherwise.”

The skills the 319th FSS sharpened during this training event ensure they are prepared to support Combatant Commander objectives, and remain ready to support local emergency responders if called to do so.