Konfitma exercise on Saipan and Rota

Both Saipan and Rota will be playing host to Konfitma 18, an annual full-scale exercise, during the week of Aug. 14 to 17, 2018.

The exercise will involve the CNMI Office of the Governor, CNMI Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, in coordination with the U.S. Army Pacific Weapons of Mass Destruction out of Hawaii, along with Civil Support Teams from Washington, Guam, Utah, Hawaii, and Tennessee. 

Multiple chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosives-related scenarios will be simulated for first responders to act upon on Saipan and Rota.

In certain instances, events may occur simultaneously which may cause first responding agencies to break out into separate teams.

“This will be good exercise for the CNMI. Konfitma is where and when first responders can effectively identify gaps and determine where faulty operating procedures are, so it can be adjusted accordingly,” said acting I HSEM special assistant, Pedro A. Leon Guerrero. 

Expect an increase in first responding-related activities and traffic that include but will not be limited to explosions, heavier flow of emergency vehicle operations and the sounding off of sirens throughout the week.

Although the public is being provided advanced notice, HSEM maintains the stance on public awareness, “If you see something, say something.”

HSEM encourages Saipan and Rota to remain vigilant and report any suspicious occurrences in case activities may be happening unrelated to Konfitma 18.

Agencies expected to participate along with HSEM and USARPAC are the departments of of Public Safety and Fire & Emergency Medical Services, Commonwealth Ports Authority, the Ports Police, Customs, the Commonwealth Utilities Corp., the Commonwealth Health Care Corp., Public School System,   Aircraft & Rescue Fire Fighters, Bureau of Environmental & Coastal Quality, Land & Natural Resources’ Division of Fish & Wildlife, Marianas Regional Fusion Center, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Transportation Security Administration, the Courts of Justice U.S. Marshalls Office, the Federal Protective Services, and the U.S. Navy HSC 25. 

Konfitma dates back to June 2010. These exercises present opportunities to assist in implementing current emergency plans by identifying capability and interoperability gaps.

For more information on Konfitma 18, contact Nadine C. Deleon Guerrero, HSEM external affairs officer, at ncdlg@cnmihsem.gov.mp. (PR)