NOVEMBER 22, 2023 – The Nevada National Guard executed Operation Silver Circuit, a comprehensive mission dedicated to ensuring safety and security during the inaugural Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix.
About 90 Soldiers and Airmen from the 72nd Military Police Company, the 152nd Medical Group, and the 92nd Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and high-yield Explosives Enhanced Response Force Package Command and Control element were activated Nov. 15-19 to support local law enforcement, including the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and first responders in Clark County.
Their concerted efforts supported local agencies at key locations, including the Las Vegas Strip and two hospitals in the city.
The Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix attracted an estimated 315,000 spectators from around the world and $1.2 billion in economic impact, according to numbers from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.
Brig. Gen. D. Rodger Waters, Nevada National Guard Joint Staff director, said Operation Silver Circuit enhanced security and emergency response capabilities.
“The deployment is a testament to the ongoing partnership between the Nevada National Guard and local emergency response agencies, showcasing their commitment to public safety and effective collaboration in times of need,” Waters said.
The deployment engaged units with specific roles: the 72nd Military Police Company, providing security expertise; the 152nd Medical Group, emergency and triage response operations at local hospitals; and the 92nd CERFP C2 element, contributing to communications, logistics and strategic decision-making.
Tech. Sgt. Zeshan Mahmood, 152nd Medical Group, the noncommissioned officer in charge, emphasized the importance of proactive measures.
“We grasp the gravity of the situation, the potential for calamity, and why we have been here,” Mahmood said. “We understand that these sorts of things can be very dynamic and fluid. We’re all professionals. So, we know how to handle those situations and how not to.”
Capt. Erica Steele, a critical care nurse overseeing the University Medical Center Hospital site, expressed the group’s commitment.
“We are here to help with triage, basic lifesaving, and patient flow in case of an emergency,” Steele said. “In the case of a mass casualty event, it is crucial that we are here to help the hospital care for their trauma victims.”
Frontline responders, such as Soraya Robertson, a civilian ER Nurse at UMC Hospital, emphasized the invaluable support provided by the Airmen.
“It’s nice to have almost a sidekick, you know, somebody who is a partner that’s like, ‘Hey, I got your back,’ ” Robertson said. “It relieves a lot of stress, and we love the support.”
The 92nd Civil Support Team, one of 57 National Guard teams responding to domestic CBRNE threats, provided an extra layer of expertise and support to the mission.
Beyond the Formula 1 event, the Guard regularly supports local agencies and events throughout the year, including on New Year’s Eve and for the upcoming NFL Super Bowl at Allegiant Stadium.
By Spc. Adrianne Lopez
17th Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs Section