"We certainly hope a disaster like this never occurs. But, as recent events such as the Swissair disaster prove, an airplane crash could happen at any time, any day, and it’s important that we train for it and learn how to better work together as a team to respond swiftly," said Mike Hart, Deputy Airport Director, Operations for John Wayne Airport.

More than 250 people will be participating in the two-hour exercise which will involve a variety of responding agencies including John Wayne Airport, the Orange County Fire Authority, the Orange County Sheriff Department, American Red Cross and emergency responders from surrounding jurisdictions. In addition, Hoag Hospital, Western Medical Center, Fountain Valley Hospital and Regional Medical Center, and Coastal Communities Hospital will be participating with medical crews for treating the injured. The Orange County Health Care Agency is coordinating the effort for volunteers who will act as crash victims.

The aircraft being used for the disaster exercise is a C130 cargo plane provided by California Air National Guard. The aircraft will be located at the exercise site on the aircraft parking apron located south of the passenger terminal building. 

Key elements of the emergency response and mass casualty treatment to a major airport incident will be tested and evaluated during the exercise that is required every three years by the Federal Aviation Administration.

"While John Wayne Airport is well prepared to handle an airfield disaster, this exercise gives us an opportunity to fine tune our emergency response plan," added Hart.

Public observation of the disaster drill is by invitation only. Media coverage is welcome.

Media wishing to cover the event are invited to attend and participate in a pre-exercise briefing regarding the Airport’s emergency media response plan at 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 29 in the JWA Media Center located on the arrival level of the Thomas F. Riley Terminal, 18601 Airport Way, Santa Ana. Following the briefing, the media will be escorted to the viewing area for the disaster exercise. Parking for the pre-exercise briefing will be provided on the upper level roadway of the terminal in front of the flagpoles. Please RSVP your attendance to Kathleen Campini Chambers at (949) 252-5163.