The following is the text of a news release from the U.S. Coast Guard:
(KODIAK, Alaska) — The Coast Guard participated in an emergency towing system drill with the city of Unalaska and various local and state partners near Unalaska Bay on Tuesday.
The crew of Coast Guard cutter Alex Haley along with a Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew and members of Marine Safety Detachment Dutch Harbor assisted in the drill to help the city of Unalaska prepare for maritime emergencies.
During the drill, the helicopter crew delivered the city’s ETS to a vessel which was then towed by the crew of Alex Haley. The participating distressed vessel was then met by local tugs that took the vessel in tow to an emergency buoy where the drill concluded.
“This is a great opportunity to work with community and industry partners who are committed to saving Alaskans and the environment,” said Cmdr. Stephen White, commanding officer, Coast Guard cutter Alex Haley. “Today's exercise provided a unique chance to strengthen relationships with organizations we may be working with in the event of an actual emergency. Drills like this are important to gain familiarity with equipment and with one another and to understand each other's capabilities."
Drill participants included Alaska Marine Pilots, Harley Marine, Dunlap Towing and the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation.
Coast Guard cutter Alex Haley is a 282-foot medium endurance cutter homeported in Kodiak.
