SAVANNAH, Ga. – The Coast Guard, the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard are conducted a joint homeland security exercise at the mouth of the Savannah River Today at 7:30 a.m.
The Coast Guard and a joint Air National Guard and Army National Guard team tested their ability to respond to radioactive material detected aboard a commercial ship attempting to access the port of Savannah.
A Coast Guard boarding team from Marine Safety Unit Savannah was lowered from a helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Savannah to the deck of the Coast Guard Cutter Elm from Atlantic Beach, N.C., which played the role of the commercial ship. The Coast Guard boarding officers simulated detecting radiation aboard the vessel using radiation detection equipment.
The Coast Guard called upon the services of the Georgia National Guard’s 4th Civil Support Team (WMD) stationed at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta, Ga. The Coast Guard helicopters picked up members of the 4th CST from Air Station Savannah and transported them to the Cutter Elm.
While aboard the Cutter Elm, the 4th CST simulated identifying any suspect agents, substances or isotopes. Then advised the Coast Guard on response measures and assisted in assessing current and projected consequences.
