Emergency response: Warren team tests new vehicle Published April 14, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Daryl Knee 90th Space Wing Public Affairs F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- A new vehicle begins testing this month designed to assist with convoy emergency response. The consequence management team now operates a nearly $1 million mobile communication hub. "It's a great program," said Capt. Grant Fowler, 90th Maintenance Operations Squadron and CMT program manager. "Before, with no satellite [in our response vehicles], we had spotty coverage. Now, we can give information back to the decision makers who need it." The CMT, usually about three people, travels with convoys that depart Warren. In the event of an accident, the team acts as a first responder, providing information to the people who need it. "Sometimes, [the commanders] don't have all the information," the captain said. "This machine fills a void. I can get them everything they need." The new vehicle has updated equipment, he said. The housing area is now environmentally controlled, providing heat and air conditioning. A diesel generator provides power to operate the equipment for long periods of time. A portable weather station allows the team to detect the wind-speed effect on a possible hazardous plume. "We can take the cameras [from the vehicle's roof] and zoom in from here to look at license plates at the shoppette (a distance of about 150 yards)," said Master Sgt. Mark Brashear, 90th MOS. Even with the advancements, however, the new vehicle will be tested for 24 months before Air Force Space Command decides to buy more. For now, the management team is happy. "This is what we've been waiting for," Captain Fowler said with a smile. "There isn't anything else we need."