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Launch 5, holding the
radioactive source, is quarantined by FDNY and NYPD |
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Launch 5, holding the
radioactive source, is quarantined by FDNY and NYPD |
On November 9, 2007 Launch 5 and her crew participated in a multi-agency drill designed to test radiation detection equipment in a real world situation.
Launch 5 was "undercover" carrying a USCG Lieutenant, NYPD Counterterrorism Officer and a source of low grade radioactivity hidden on the boat. The drill was held in two parts at two locations. Stationed at each location were various agency vessels with radiation detection equipment. As private vessels passed these vessels, they were scanned for radioactivity. This was a "blind test" - all agency vessels were unaware which boat carried the radioactive source or when it would pass.
Enroute to the first location, Launch 5 passed a large fireboat which detected a "hit" and radioed ahead to the other vessels stationed a little further upriver. When Launch 5 approached the other vessels, an NYPD Police Launch approached and circled with it's detection equipment while USCG, FDNY, NJSP stood by. NYPD Launch 9 confirmed a radioactive reading and all agencies surrounded Launch 5 and quarantined her while each agency took turns boarding the boat and searching for the source. Finally, NYPD Aviation arrived on scene with a chopper and swooped in with their detection equipment. All equipment worked perfectly and the "blind test" was a success.
Launch 5 then motored through the Harlem and East Rivers to the second drill location. This time it was a USCG fast response RHIB that approached Launch 5 and made the detection and boarded Launch 5. The same routine was repeated this time with NYPD, FDNY, USCG and Nassau County PD. Once again, the test was a success.
From a Homeland Security perspective, it was impressive to see all these diverse agencies working so smoothly together to counteract this particular water-borne threat.
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View the Photo Gallery of the mission. (Please maximize your browser window for best results). |
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Send comments, inquiries and questions to
info@Launch5.com
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Web site by BS artist Last modified: December 04, 2007
