USCG, partner agencies to conduct maritime threat exercise

Coast Guard Sector San Francisco members are scheduled to conduct an interagency in conjunction with Alcatraz Cruises at approximately 5 p.m., Tuesday. The exercise is scheduled to involve approximately 50 participants from the Neptune Coalition, a partnership of state, local and federal agencies dedicated to the safety and security of the Maritime Transportation System within the Bay Area, the USCG news release said.

Maritime active threats are defined as individuals or groups engaged in harming or attempting to harm people in a confined and populated area with methods ranging from edged weapons to small arms.

“Any major incident on the San Francisco Bay is going to require multiple agencies to work together,” said Capt. Tony Ceraolo, the Sector San Francisco commander. “Historically, even incidents involving single officer response have a high success rate against an aggressor when the first officer on scene applies quick and decisive pressure on the assailant. While we hope such an incident never occurs, Sector San Francisco is committed to continued interagency training dedicated to providing the swiftest and most comprehensive response possible.”

The Coast Guard urges boaters to keep a safe distance from the training exercise while it is taking place.