News Release

Contacts:

U.S. Coast Guard:  (510) 772-8865

State of California:
Jay Alan:  (916) 825-6544
Jana Bullock:  (916) 261-3916
media@calema.ca.gov


ALAMEDA, Calif. – The U.S. Coast Guard has partnered with the State of California for their large scale annual statewide emergency response exercise, Golden Guardian 2010.  The theme of this year's exercise is port-related counter terrorist response. 

"We welcome the opportunity to work with our security and response partners from local, state, and other federal agencies in this statewide exercise," said Rear Adm. Joseph Castillo, commander of the Coast Guard's 11th District.  "We regularly test our response plans with other agencies, and the scope and depth of this year's Golden Guardian drills will help us identify strengths, close gaps, and provide a higher level of protection and security to the people of California," he said. 

Terrorism-related scenarios will play out in major ports around the state during the two-day exercise.  Officials from all levels of the various agencies involved will conduct tabletop exercises, operational drills, communications tests, and other practice evolutions to test their readiness, response plans, and techniques.  Simulations and exercises will involve agencies in Sacramento, Benicia, Redwood City, Oakland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Long Beach, and San Diego.

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Port Specific Contacts:

U.S. Coast Guard
San Francisco:  Lt. j.g. Jeremy Pichette  (415) 399-3492
Los Angeles-Long Beach:  Lt. Anastacia Thorsson  (310) 521-3610

State of California:
Jay Alan:  (916) 825-6544
Jana Bullock:  (916) 261-3916
media@calema.ca.gov

Link to State of California news release: http://www.oes.ca.gov/Executive/Public/oespressroom.nsf/PDF/Governor's+2010+Golden+Guardian+Full+Scale+Exercise/$file/GoldenGuardian_05.18.10.pdf