LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan National Guard (MING) will participate in Operation Iron Wave, a joint interagency training exercise in Marquette and Sault Ste. Marie, July 27-30, designed to strengthen coordination, interoperability and emergency response readiness among local, state and federal partners.
The exercise brings together personnel from the MING; civil support teams (CST) from the Illinois National Guard (5th CST), Ohio National Guard (52nd CST), Indiana National Guard (53rd CST), Wisconsin National Guard (54th CST), Minnesota National Guard (55th CST), U.S. Virgin Islands National Guard (23rd CST), Hawaii National Guard (93rd CST); Michigan State Police (MSP); U.S. Coast Guard (USCG); U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE); Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR); Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS); Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE); Department of Energy (DoE); Northern Michigan University (NMU); Marquette County; and Chippewa County to refine response procedures, improve communication and ensure seamless coordination during complex incidents.
WHO: MING, 5th CST, 52nd CST, 53rd CST, 54th CST, 55th CST, 23rd CST, 93rd CST, MSP, USCG, USACE, FBI, NOAA, DNR, DHHS, EGLE, NMU, Marquette County, Chippewa County
WHAT: Operation Iron Wave Joint Training Exercise
WHEN: July 27-30
WHERE: Hazard assessment at K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base with maritime, aviation and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) training taking place at NMU, the Soo Locks and Lake Superior adjacent to Lower Harbor Park
The exercise will feature the Michigan National Guard's 51st Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team (51st CST), headquartered at Fort Custer Training Center in Augusta. The specialized unit supports civil authorities by identifying hazardous materials, assessing potential threats and providing technical expertise during chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive (CBRNE) incidents. Regular joint training ensures the team remains prepared to integrate quickly with partner agencies during emergencies.
"The 51st CST conducts multiple joint training exercises each year because effective emergency response depends on strong partnerships before an incident ever occurs," said Maj. Megan Breen, commander of the 51st CST. "These exercises strengthen relationships, improve coordination across agencies and ensure we can operate as one team when responding to Michigan communities. Readiness is built through training together."
Throughout the exercise, participating agencies will train in realistic scenarios designed to enhance unified command, information sharing, hazard assessment and coordinated decision-making in a multi-agency response environment.
Media Note: Opportunities to observe training activities and interview exercise leadership will be available throughout the exercise. Participating agencies will be based in Marquette on July 27 and July 28, and during the morning of July 29 at K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base. On the afternoon of July 29, one exercise aircraft will arrive in Sault Ste. Marie, where participating personnel will transition for the remainder of the exercise. Activities and interview opportunities will continue in Sault Ste. Marie throughout the day on July 30. Due to the increased presence of emergency response personnel, media are asked to avoid operating drones, helicopters or boats in the exercise area and to remain outside designated safety zones. Media interested in attending are encouraged to coordinate in advance to arrange access and interview opportunities. To RSVP, please contact MING 1SG Robert Young at 269-986-3058 or
robert.b.young1.mil@army.mil.
For more information, please contact the MING Public Affairs office at 517-481-7735 or
PAO Email Address.
