At the Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA), our responsibility to the community goes far beyond managing transportation hubs. It’s about ensuring the safety and security of the community we serve. This commitment was front and center when Wilmington Airport (ILG) hosted a full-scale emergency exercise on April 26, 2025. While this event is a mandated requirement by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), for us, it's a vital opportunity to strengthen our partnerships and test our ability to protect our neighbors in an emergency.

A Collaborative Approach to Emergency Response

Aviation is a complex industry, and a robust emergency response requires seamless cooperation among multiple agencies. The exercise, known as "Operation Cornerback," simulates a mass casualty incident, providing a realistic training scenario for our personnel and a wide range of local, state, and federal partners. This includes agencies like the Delaware Emergency Management Agency, New Castle County Emergency Medical Services, the American Red Cross, and several local fire departments. This collaborative effort is a cornerstone of our emergency preparedness strategy.

As DRBA Director of Airport Operations Ben Clendaniel states, "This drill provides a valuable opportunity to collectively test communication, coordination, and rescue procedures." This isn't just about fulfilling a regulatory obligation; it’s about a shared commitment to the well-being of the region. By regularly practicing together, we can ensure that if a real-world incident were to occur, every responding agency would know their role and be able to work together efficiently and effectively.

Continuous Improvement for a Safer Community

Full-scale drills like Operation Cornerback are a critical tool for continuous improvement. Following the exercise, a team of official evaluators consisting of emergency responders and aviation professionals provided a detailed assessment and feedback. This feedback is invaluable, helping us to identify areas for improvement and implement changes to our emergency plans and procedures.

While we hope to never have to use the skills we practice, being prepared is the most responsible action we can take. This exercise demonstrates our proactive approach to community safety, ensuring our facilities and the surrounding areas are as secure as possible. The DRBA's dedication to emergency preparedness and our strong relationships with our community partners are foundational to our mission of providing safe and reliable connections that move you!