SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (1010 WINS) – The FBI’s Albany branch announced a multi-agency nuclear incident training exercise earlier this week taking place near Schenectady, New York, and surrounding areas, including Albany and Saratoga counties.
The exercise, which began on Jan. 26 and will continue through Jan. 31, involves a coordinated effort among federal, state, and local agencies to prepare for potential nuclear incidents.
“The training exercise will not pose any risk to area residents; the public does not need to be alarmed by training-related activity,” the bureau said. Participants will wear personal protective equipment (PPE) to simulate realistic conditions, and the exercise will include the use of aircraft from various law enforcement agencies.
Residents in the area may notice increased activity, including the presence of military aircraft and personnel in protective gear, but officials stress that these are routine training measures.
The training is part of a series of regularly scheduled biannual exercises conducted by the U.S. government since 2012. It involves collaboration among the Department of Defense (DoD), the Department of Energy (DOE) National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and numerous state and local partners.
The exercise is primarily focused around key locations, including Albany International Airport, Stratton Air National Guard Base, and northern Saratoga County. Military personnel, aircraft, and individuals in protective gear will be visible in these areas throughout the week.
Local and state agencies, including law enforcement, fire departments, emergency management teams, and public health organizations, are also participating in the training. Their involvement ensures a comprehensive approach to handling potential nuclear incidents, emphasizing coordination and preparedness.
Due to the sensitive nature of the training, activities are not open to the public or media, the FBI stated.
Similar exercises have been conducted across the United States over the past decade to ensure that federal, state, and local agencies are equipped to respond effectively to nuclear threats.