Coast Guard To Host WMD Exercise

The Coast Guard will host a multi-agency, Homeland Security field exercise entitled "Port Rio Grande," focusing on the consequence management of a Weapon of Mass Destruction (WMD) on Monday at 8 a.m. on Coast Guard Island. The exercise will conclude at approximately 2 p.m. The exercise will test the interoperability of procedures and equipment in response to a WMD onboard a Coast Guard Cutter. Participants will focus on setting up a shore-side command post, physically securing Coast Guard Island from further infiltration, proper medical procedures for a mass casualty incident and the possible introduction of chemical and biological weapons. Agencies participating in the Port Rio Grande exercise will include Coast Guard Integrated Support Command Alameda, the Coast Guard Pacific Strike Team, the California National Guard’s 9th Civil Support Team and the Army’s 464th Chemical Brigade. The Alameda Fire Department will serve as the first responder. Exercise participants will be available for interviews during the exercise.