Previous Story
Tsunami exercise at Guam base
SANTA RITA, Guam—U.S. Naval Base Guam and Apra Harbor waterfront units will participate in a tsunami response exercise on March 30 from 8am to 12pm.
The purpose of this exercise is to evaluate local tsunami response plans; increase tsunami preparedness; enhance training and readiness; validate evacuation timing in the case of an actual tsunami event; and improve coordination throughout the base.
“The 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunamis have reminded the world again of the urgent need to be more prepared for such events,” said Robert Ellsworth, NBG Emergency Management director. “This important exercise will test the current procedures for tsunami warnings and help identify operational strengths and weaknesses on NBG.”
The exercise, titled Big Wave 21, will simulate a widespread tsunami warning and advisory situation throughout the western Pacific and South China Sea, which requires implementation of local tsunami response plans.
During the tsunami drill, waterfront units will evacuate to designated tsunami assembly areas.
The drills provide an opportunity for NBG emergency management to exercise its operational lines of communication, review response procedures, and promote preparedness. Regular exercising of response plans to high impact events is critical to remain ready for an emergency.
There are currently no planned road closures and the force protection condition status will not change throughout the duration of the exercise.
As part of the exercise, the NBG Giant Voice and Automatic Telephone Notification System will be activated, and residents in surrounding areas of the GV speakers will hear exercise announcements throughout the day. (PR)
