CHEBOYGAN, Mich. — Crewmembers from the Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw participated in a fire drill with the Cheboygan Fire Department Wednesday evening at the cutter’s homeport in Cheboygan, Mich.
The two agencies were training as a collaborative effort in case Mackinaw should ever need outside assistance while in homeport.
“We wanted to make sure the local fire department knew the ship and how we combat casualties onboard,” said Cmdr. Michael Davanzo, commanding officer of the cutter Mackinaw. “It’s important preparation in case we should ever need their assistance.”
This was the first such training conducted since the Mackinaw’s arrival in Cheboygan in 2006.
The cutter’s crewmembers and members from the Cheboygan Fire Department met last week to prepare for the training and to conduct a walkthrough in areas of the cutter where rescue crews may experience more serious and dangerous conditions. The fire drill was held onboard to exercise what was discussed at last week’s meeting.
This was the first time the two agencies have worked collaboratively to prepare for potential casualties onboard the cutter.
“The drill went well,” said Davanzo. “We are grateful to the city of Cheboygan that their fire department is able to provide this type of support for us. We look forward to continuing to work together and building a better partnership.”
