117 ARW MEOC Supports Alabama Department of Public Safety Published Dec. 3, 2014 By Master Sgt. Richard Bailey 117th Civil Engineering Squadron BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- After countless hours spent on training, exercises and testing, the 117th Air Refueling Wing Mobile Emergency Operations Center, or MEOC deployed for its first real world assignment. On October 16, 2014, Emergency Management personnel from the 117 ARW was tasked to support the Alabama Department of Public Safety as the Alabama State Troopers monitored traffic flow at the Talladega Superspeedway during a big race weekend. It was a joint training environment that included the 117 ARW MEOC, DPS, the Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AL EMA) as well as a MEOC from the 123rd Air Wing. The MEOC is part of a fledgling Domestic Operations (DOMOPS) program and was designed from the ground up to support civilian agencies during times of crisis. The on board communications equipment is the latest technology that has already been used "outside the wire" and offers interoperability, which has been proven to be an important factor. This latest deployment was significant as it affirms the purpose of creating the MEOC and provides an opportunity for a joint training environment among personnel from different agencies. They become more familiar with each other's operational procedures and explore different joint training venues. No one wants to show up for practice on game night and this was a great opportunity for the Emergency Management personnel of the 117 ARW to Stay Ready and Prepared!