Soldiers from the 689th Rapid Port Opening Element, Fort Eustis, Va., strap down cargo during Eagle Flag 12-4, the initial verification exercise for the 108th Contingency Response Group at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Aug. 14, 2012. The exercise tests the 108th CRG’s ability to create and run a Joint Task Force-Port Opening under bare base conditions. The 108th CRG is designed to be an early responder in the event of a terrorist attack, natural disaster or other major emergency anywhere within a 400-mile radius of New Jersey as well as deploy in any contingency situation to quickly establish initial operating capabilities for humanitarian or military airlift. The unit also is capable of supporting military contingency operations worldwide. Described as an “airbase in a box,” the 108th CRG has the personnel, training and equipment needed to deploy to a remote site, open a runway and establish airfield operations so that aid or troops can begin to flow into affected areas. The Air force has eight CRGs, two of which are operated by the Air National Guard.