New Castle, Del.—Designated as Operation Blue Skywalker, an emergency exercise was held at the Wilmington-New Castle Airport (ILG) on April 13. The exercise provided a valuable opportunity for airport personnel, first responders and law enforcement professionals to collectively test rescue procedures, communication, and coordination.

“This emergency exercise provides a valuable opportunity for airport personnel, first responders, and law enforcement professionals to collectively test rescue procedures, communication, and coordination,” Senior Airports Manager Benjamin Clendaniel, referring to the FAA required exercise that must take place every three years.  “Evaluators will then offer their assessment and feedback on what worked well; identify potential challenges; and what, if any, improvements could be made.”

Agencies participating in the drill included the Federal Aviation Administration, Delaware Emergency Management Agency, Delaware Department of Forensic Sciences, Delaware Air National Guard Fire Department, New Castle Emergency Medical Services, New Castle County Office of Emergency Management, St. Francis Hospital, and Wilmington Manor Volunteer Fire Department, along with surrounding area departments.

The exercise typically involves a simulated aircraft accident to test the response procedures and equipment of fire-rescue units and other emergency personnel who would be responding to an actual incident.