Full scale exercise at Hammocks Beach State Park will include multiple low-flying aircraft
Onslow County Emergency Services is hosting a helicopter aquatic rescue training exercise involving federal, state, and local agencies. The exercise takes place April 19-20, 2022 at Hammocks Beach State Park. Residents who live in the Swansboro or Bear Creek areas may see and hear low flying aircraft during this time.
This exercise helps Onslow County Emergency Management meet training goals and brings multiple agencies together for a simulated rescue response. A main goal of this multi-agency training is to enhance communication and coordination among the different groups.
The HART exercise gives emergency personnel valuable experience practicing aerial rescue techniques. During Hurricane Florence Onslow County conducted 750 aquatic rescues, which shows the importance of this type of training.
Agencies participating in the exercise include Onslow County Emergency Services, Onslow County Sheriff’s Office, Hammocks Beach State Park, United States Coast Guard, North Carolina Highway Patrol, North Carolina National Guard, North Carolina Marine Patrol, North Carolina Emergency Management, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, Swansboro Fire Department, and the National Weather Service Forecast Office Newport/Morehead City.