250812-F-RN563-1169

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Seth Chaffee, left, 97th Security Forces Squadron (SFS) base defense operation center controller, and Senior Airman Nathan Gonzalez, right, 97th SFS patrolman, stand ready during an active shooter exercise at L. Mendel Rivers Elementary School at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Aug. 12, 2025. This exercise is performed yearly to strengthen the installation’s ability to protect its Airmen, families, and mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Lauren Torres)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
250812-F-RN563-1063

U.S. Air Force Airman Bruce Griner, 97th Security Forces Squadron installation entry controller, conducts sweeps through the rooms of L. Mendel Rivers Elementary School during an active shooter exercise at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Aug. 12, 2025. During the exercise, defenders were the first to respond to the simulated lockdown scenario, demonstrating how this training prepares Airmen to handle any situation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Lauren Torres)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
250812-F-RN563-1104

Airmen assigned to the 97th Security Forces Squadron swiftly walk in formation during an active shooter exercise at L. Mendel Rivers Elementary School at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Aug. 12, 2025. Every movement was coordinated to mirror real-world situations they could face, all under the watchful eyes of evaluators, ensuring the highest standards of readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Lauren Torres)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
250812-F-RN563-1098

Airmen assigned to the 97th Security Forces Squadron clear a classroom with teachers inside during an active shooter exercise at L. Mendel Rivers Elementary School at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Aug. 12, 2025. The scenario tested their ability to identify and protect non-combatants while neutralizing potential threats quickly. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Lauren Torres)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
250812-F-RN563-1127

U.S. Air Force Airmen 1st Class Mathew Gates and Andrew Ryan, 97th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighters, tend to a simulated victim during an active shooter exercise at L. Mendel Rivers Elementary School at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Aug. 12, 2025. With the simulated threat neutralized, firefighters stepped in to deliver immediate aid and safely extract the victims from the building. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Lauren Torres)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
250812-F-RN563-1135

An Airman assigned to the 97th Medical Group wears a medical vest during an active shooter exercise at L. Mendel Rivers Elementary School at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Aug. 12, 2025. This identification is critical for rapid communication and efficient casualty care during the exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Lauren Torres)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
250812-F-RN563-1149

Airmen assigned to the 97th Air Mobility Wing tend to simulated injuries during an active shooter exercise at L. Mendel Rivers Elementary School at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Aug. 12, 2025. The training reinforced their ability to provide life-saving care under high-stress conditions, emphasizing the critical role of immediate medical attention. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Lauren Torres)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res
250812-F-RN563-1177

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Emily Beckerjeck, left, 97th Civil Engineer Squadron non-commissioned officer in charge of logistics, and Tech. Sgt. Caleb Whitworth, right, 97th Security Forces Squadron non-commissioned officer in charge of standardization and evaluation, walk toward other Airmen to evaluate their performance during an active shooter exercise at L. Mendel Rivers Elementary School at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Aug. 12, 2025. Their assessments helped identify strengths and areas for improvement to enhance overall readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Lauren Torres)

Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

Prepared to protect: Altus AFB conducts active shooter drill

Published Aug. 15, 2025
By Airman 1st Class Lauren Torres
97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --

Units from across the 97th Air Mobility Wing participated in an active shooter exercise at L. Mendel Rivers Elementary School located at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Aug. 12, 2025. The scenario tested coordination across base agencies, ensuring readiness to respond swiftly and effectively during a lockdown incident. Exercises like this provide realistic training to evaluate Department of Defense response procedures and strengthen the installation’s ability to protect its Airmen, families, and mission.

250812-F-RN563-1169

250812-F-RN563-1063

250812-F-RN563-1104

250812-F-RN563-1098

250812-F-RN563-1127

250812-F-RN563-1135

250812-F-RN563-1149

250812-F-RN563-1177