**Media Availability** St. Petersburg Coast Guard Tests Emergency Preparedness

DATE: May 19, 2009 8:56:10 AM EDT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DHS USCG Banner

News Release

Date: May 19, 2009

Contact: PA3 Rob Simpson
(305) 965-4672

**Media Availability** St. Petersburg Coast Guard Tests Emergency Preparedness

Media note: Media is invited to attend a press briefing at the Manatee County EOC, located at 2101 47^th Terrace East, Bradenton, FL, 34206, from 10-10:30 a.m., May 21. Please arrive no later than 9:45 a.m.

BRADENTON, Fla. – Members from Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, Fla., will be conducting a Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) exercise at the Manatee County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Bradenton, Fla., May 20-21.

This is a full-scale emergency-preparation exercise designed to test Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg’s ability to continue operations along the West Coast of Florida during an emergency scenario in which the Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg facilities are damaged and the Sector is required to operate from an alternate location.

“This exercise is one of a series of routine preparations we are making prior to the start of hurricane season,” said Captain Timothy Close, Commanding Officer of Sector St. Petersburg. “This is the first time we are actually testing our ability to relocate and continue Coast Guard operations and greatly appreciate the assistance of Manatee County.”

###

Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790.

The United States Coast Guard -- Proud History. Powerful Future.

printer friendly