Coast Guard, City of Detroit to host international multi-agency security response exercise along Detroit-Windsor Corridor

DETROIT—More than 65 U. S. and Canadian federal, state, and local emergency response partner agencies are scheduled to take part in a full-scale, cross-border security, mass rescue, and oil spill response exercise, “Detroit River Readiness 2011," on Aug. 23 and 24 along the Detroit River Corridor from Trenton north in the river to Detroit and Windsor.

At about 9 a.m. on Aug. 23, an actual controlled explosion may be heard associated with smoke coming from aboard the passenger vessel Detroit Princess anchored in the river near the Detroit Port Authority Complex along Jefferson Avenue.

There should be no cause for alarm as this will be part of the exercise. Anybody with questions or concerns is asked to call 313-567-3007.

This exercise promotes unity of effort for participant agencies. It will test and validate the Area Maritime Security Plan and contingency plans of all responding agencies. Areas of focus for this exercise include:

maritime search and rescue capabilities;
mass rescue operations management;
shoreside community mass casualty incident capabilities;
landing/triage site management, survivor handling and accountability; and
public information outreach (media management)

The exercise is designed to challenge participants to make difficult decisions, carry out essential functions and maintain a common operating picture during an incident of international significance. Interagency coordination and communication will play key roles in the exercise’s success, as well as enhance readiness for future incidents. This exercise culminates from three years of planning to prepare the area maritime security committee members and surrounding communities to respond to all threats and hazards that may arise at anytime.

This exercise is not open to the public; however, media is invited to attend. Reporters will be able to cover the exercise from two different locations:

at the scene of the incident with a viewing area set up in Milliken State Park
at the Port Authority Complex in Detroit

Media inquiries should be referred to Lt. Justin Westmiller, the Coast Guard's exercise public information officer, at 313-701-6016, or the City of Detroit's homeland security PIO, Pam Shivers at 313-596-1646.

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