19 September 2024

North Bend, OR –The Southwest Oregon Regional Airport will conduct a full-scale Mass Casualty exercise as part of its ongoing commitment to safety and emergency preparedness. The exercise will take place on September 25, 2024, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and is a required component of the airport's Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 139 certification process and Airport Emergency Planning. The exercise ensures the highest safety standards and brings all involved parties together if there’s a major incident.

The drill will involve key airport personnel, including Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) Operations, maintenance, and administration staff. Additionally, the exercise will include participation from SkyWest Airlines, the North Bend Police and Fire Departments, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Bay Area Hospital, Bay Cities Ambulance, Emergency Manager, and Air Traffic Control (ATC). Together, these partners will simulate a coordinated response to a large-scale emergency scenario to test and refine procedures, communication, and response times.

The primary goal of the exercise is to evaluate the effectiveness of emergency response plans and improve interagency coordination in the event of a real-life incident. “Our focus is on ensuring the highest level of preparedness for the safety of our passengers and the community,” said Bob Hood, Operations Manager and Fire Chief. “Exercises like these are critical in helping us enhance our readiness and meet FAA regulations.”

The Southwest Oregon Regional Airport is committed to providing safe and efficient air service to the South Coast region. As the only commercial service airport on the Oregon coast, it plays a critical role in connecting communities to national and global destinations.

Questions can be directed to Stephanie Kilmer, CCAD Public Information Officer at (541) 756-8531 or stephanie@flyoth.com. For more information, visit www.flyoth.com.