DC National Guard to host emergency response exercise

WASHINGTON, DC (02/16/2016)(readMedia)-- The District of Columbia National Guard is conducting an emergency response exercise Feb. 22-26 at several locations within the District of Columbia.

The purpose of exercise Sovereign Guardian 2016 (SG 16) is to strengthen interagency partnerships between National Capital Region agencies and improve interoperability in response to a chemical, biological, nuclear and/or explosive (CBRNE) incident.

During this period, citizens in Washington, DC, and surrounding areas may observe an increase in military response vehicles on the roads and/or personnel wearing encapsulated, chemical suits participating in CBRNE simulations.

Also participating are the Virginia and West Virginia National Guards' CBRNE, Enhances Response Force Packages (CERFP) and the Pennsylvania National Guard's Homeland Response Force. (HRF) In addition to the National Guard, the U.S. Secret Service, DC Metropolitan Police Department, DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services and the Civil Air Patrol's National Capital Wing will also participate.

For more information, contact the DC National Guard Public Affairs Office, point of contacts: Maj. Byron Coward, byron.b.coward.mil@mail.mil or (202) 492-9518 and/or Staff Sgt. Aimee Fujikawa, aimee.f.fujikawa.mil@mail.mil or (202) 685-9693.