In Kachemak Bay, Alaska, members of the U.S. Coast Guard and Navy recently worked together to perform an exercise on how to quickly respond to oil pollution.
According to the USCG, a Navy “current buster system” from Coast Guard Cutter Hickory was used for the practice run, which regularly takes place as part of the National Preparedness for Response Exercise Program that’s mandated in the Oil Pollution Act of 1990.
The current buster system - the latest available technology in addressing offshore oil spills - is designed to extract oil from water and store it in its separator to be later pumped into storage tanks.
“The Coast Guard routinely trains alongside federal, state, tribal, and local partners to build capabilities and improve readiness levels,” Lt. Andrew Sinclair, 17th District response advisory team, explained. “Training and exercises are important components of the nation’s homeland security strategy and response capabilities that enable emergency responders to maintain their proficiency.”