NORTHCOM launches CBRNE response team

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo., Oct. 2 (UPI) -- U.S. Northern Command announced the launch of a fully dedicated task force designed to respond to a chemical, biological or radiological explosion.

NORTHCOM announced the activation of a new initial response force that would be deployed in case of a chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear high-yield explosive incident. The CBRNE Consequence Management Response Force, the first of its kind, is capable of deploying in 48 hours, the Air Force reported.

"We are now building the first of three CBRNE Consequence Management Response Forces," NORTHCOM Commander Gen. Gene Renuart said in a statement.

"We have an organized force, a trained force, an equipped force, a force that has adequate command and control and is on quick response to head off to a large-scale nuclear, chemical, biological event that might require Department of Defense support."

Officials say the CBRNE Consequence Management Response Force is composed of about 4,700 personnel with specialties in rescue, decontamination and medical support, among others.