42nd IG conducts MAXFORCE exercise Published April 22, 2025 By Senior Airman Tanner Doerr 42nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- The 42nd Air Base Wing Inspector General’s Office held two MAXFORCE emergency exercises on April 15-17. From active shooter drills to full scale aircraft accident simulations, the IG office is at the heart of Maxwell’s base-wide emergency preparedness efforts. “Our role is to bring everyone together; security forces, medical, fire and leadership to craft exercises that meet real world threats, while also checking off Department of Defense readiness requirements,” said Nick McWilliams, 42nd ABW Wing Inspection Team chief and installation exercise programs director. U.S. Airmen from the 42nd Air Base Wing take part in a MAXFORCE exercise to simulate a downed aircraft incident at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, April 17, 2025. The base hosted a quarterly MAXFORCE exercise, a week-long event that simulates complex emergency scenarios such as aircraft crashes, hazardous material spills or hostile threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by senior Airman Tanner Doerr) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res The IG is divided into three key areas: complaints, inspections, and exercises. McWilliams' team operates within the exercise realm under the umbrella of the Commander’s Inspection Program, a DOD-mandated initiative to ensure base-wide preparedness. The base hosts a quarterly MAXFORCE exercise, a week-long event that simulates complex emergency scenarios such as aircraft crashes, hazardous material spills or hostile threats. The goal is not just to test one agency but to evaluate the entire base’s response, from first responders to command and control operations. “The exercises are for everyone,” said McWilliams, referring to all personnel on base, including military, civilian and contractors. “It’s about making sure everyone knows how to respond in a crisis.” Thursday’s exercise simulated a major aircraft accident response, emphasizing coordination between emergency services, mortuary affairs and public safety. From left, U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Scott Brakefield, 42nd Security Forces Squadron kennel master, Tech Sgt. Jordan Layton, 42nd SFS flight chief, and Tech Sgt. Travis Jordan, 42nd SFS flight chief, plan an entry point for a MAXFORCE active shooter exercise at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, April 15, 2025. The base hosted a quarterly Max Force exercise, a weeklong event that simulates complex emergency scenarios such as aircraft crashes, hazardous material spills or hostile threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by senior Airman Tanner Doerr) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Behind the scenes, the WIT is comprised of augmentees from various units who serve as evaluators, ensuring that response actions align with expectations and identifying areas for improvement. “Our job is to expose the cracks in the system so that they can be fixed before a real emergency happens,” McWilliams said. “This isn’t just about checking boxes, it’s about saving lives and being prepared. Emergency management doesn’t stop in peacetime. We’re always ready.” Although the IG office is known primarily for handling complaints mentioned McWilliams, its’ exercise and inspection branch plays an equally vital role in ensuring the base remains ready to respond to emergencies at a moment’s notice. “When seconds count, we rely on muscle memory built during these exercises,” said Shane Downum, 42nd Mission Support Group deputy director and emergency ops director. “The better we train now, the faster and more effectively we respond when live assets or mission success are on the line. Readiness doesn’t happen by accident, it’s built through deliberate, repetitive training.” From left, Wayne McGuffin, 42nd Civil Engineer Squadron emergency manager, Shane Downum, 42nd Mission Support Group deputy director and Emergency Operations Center director, Michael Weiler, 42nd CES assistant emergency manager, and 1st Lt. Justin Lopez, 42nd MSG executive officer, run through checks during an active shooter exercise at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, April 15, 2025. The EOC serves as a crucial hub for coordinating and managing incidents during emergencies. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tanner Doerr) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Through rigorous, realistic training, the IG team continues to sharpen emergency response efforts, ensuring that when crisises arise, Team Maxwell is equipped to respond swiftly and effectively. Defonzo Brown, 42nd Civil Engineer Squadron assistant fire chief and MAXFORCE exercise operations chief, makes a radio call during a Max Force exercise at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, April 17, 2025. During the Max Force exercise, emergency response teams came together to respond to a simulated aircraft mishap. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tanner Doerr) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res