Sgt. Brock Horrocks, middle, a member of the Utah National Guard 85th Weapons of Mass Destruction–Civil Support Team, conducts pre-event Joint Hazard Assessment sweeps with a member of the Nebraska CST and Department of Energy radiation expert on the days leading up to Super Bowl LVII, Phoenix, Arizona, Feb. 7, 2023.
SALT LAKE CITY — Several members of Utah’s National Guard will be attending Super Bowl LVII this weekend. Members of the 85th Weapons of Mass Destruction–Civil Support Team is currently on scene in Phoenix, Arizona to help with security.
Collectively, the Task Force CST is commanded by Lt. Col. Michael Spencer, commander of the 91st Civil Support Team. Their mission is to support civil authorities with Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear – WMD capabilities including mission command, on-site tactical operations (active air sampling, sample collection, field-hazard analysis, analytical and communication support), and Joint Hazard Assessment Team operations at multiple venues in the Phoenix area.
The week leading up to the Super Bowl is full of activities including the Opening Ceremonies, NFL experience, The Waste Management Open golf tournament, multiple concerts, and the Super Bowl itself at State Farm Stadium. Expected attendance at these events is expected to be more than 200,000 per day.
Commander of the 85th CST Lt. Col. Rob Dent said, “This mission is very complex and dynamic. There are a lot of moving pieces and changes which requires a tremendous amount of flexibility in particular by our operators working the venues. An event of this magnitude requires an incredible amount of preparation. Phoenix has an extremely robust and talented emergency management network, and it is incredible to see so many agencies working together towards a common goal.
The Utah National Guard is a premier, community-based force comprised of relevant and trained citizen-Soldiers and Airmen who are ready to support contingency operations worldwide.
will@cvradio.com