This is to advise the news media that a training drill will be conducted aboard the Spirit of Washington. The drill will involve the Metropolitan Police Department, DC Fire & EMS Department, United States Coast Guard Station Washington, DC, the Alexandria Fire Department and the Spirit of Washington. This exercise is part of an ongoing effort to test and assess the interoperability of local, federal and private sector maritime entities in managing a catastrophic incident. The exercise will simulate a mass casualty event that will require a multi-agency and private sector response. The department and involved agencies wish to take this opportunity to thank the Spirit of Washington for the utilization of its vessel, crewmembers and cooperation to make this drill possible.

Date:		July 10, 2006
Time:		7:30 am - ship departs 8 am - exercise begins
Location:		Pier 4 - 6th & Water Streets, SW Exercise on the Potomac River in proximity to the Naval Research Pier
Contact:		Lt. Paul Neipling (202) 727-4582

  
NOTE: Members of the media will be permitted to be on the Spirit of Washington during the exercise. They should be at Pier 4 no later than 7:30 am. The exercise is expected to last four hours.