CLACKAMAS FIRE TO HOST MULTI-AGENCY WATER RESCUE HELICOPTER TRAINING EXERCISE (Photo) - 06/02/26

Clackamas Fire, the Oregon National Guard, and the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Astoria, alongside multiple local, state, and federal partners, will conduct a full-scale water rescue training exercise on Friday, June 5, designed to strengthen coordination and readiness during complex rescue incidents across our region.

During the exercise, crews will simulate a large-scale water rescue response featuring helicopter hoist operations where victims are lifted directly from the water into rescue helicopters. Clackamas Fire will also deploy its specialized water rescue boat from a CH-47 Chinook helicopter into the river, allowing crews to practice rapid deployment and victim rescue operations.

The training highlights the precision, communication, and coordination required between aircrews, rescue swimmers, boat operators, firefighters, and ground personnel during real-world emergencies.

The exercise builds on joint training completed in April, where teams conducted multiple hoist iterations and refined communication and rescue operations between agencies. 

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:
• Video/photo opportunities of live helicopter hoist operations and water rescue training scenarios
• Interviews available with:

• U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Astoria
• Oregon National Guard
• Clackamas Fire Water Rescue Team

DATE: Friday, June 5, 2026

TIME:
Media arrival: 10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Exercise operations begin approximately 11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Members of the media interested in attending are asked to RSVP in advance by emailing cfdpio@clackamasfire.com to receive location and parking information.