For the 11th year, the Center for Humanitarian Assistance and its partners at the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, United States Coast Guard, FEMA, the California National Guard and the City and County of San Francisco are planning a series of training and exercise events to take place from during San Francisco Fleet Week, 3 -11 October 2021. These events bring together civilian first responders and the military to improve the Nation’s ability to respond to catastrophic events.
New York Fleet Week
Returning May 2023
Senior Leader Seminar (SLS)
An invitation-only, one day seminar featuring keynote speakers, panel discussions and workshops where elected officials, government, private sector, and military leaders work together reviewing innovations and best practices in humanitarian assistance and disaster response.
San Francisco Fleet Week
Monday 3 October
First Responder Fly Out
Selected government and private sector first responders are invited to participate in a helicopter airlift from USCG AIRSTA SFO to the USN ship to take part in a tour of the disaster response capabilities of the USN ship.
Tuesday 4 October
USN/SFFD Confined Space Rescue Drill
The San Francisco Fire Department (SFFD) and the US Navy participate in a shipboard firefighting interoperable rescue drill. (By invitation only)
Wednesday 5 October
USN/SFFD EMS Ride Alongs
SN medical personnel will have the opportunity to ride-along with The San Francisco Fire Department (SFFD) ambulance crews to share best practices.
USN/SFFD Urban Search and Rescue Training
The SFFD will provide tactical Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) training to the military and includes a friendly interagency competition for bragging rights. In 2011, the Marines used skills learned during this training in response to the Tohoku, Japan Earthquake.
Peer to Peer Medical Exchange Seminar
The Peer to Peer Medical Exchange (MEDEX) Seminar brings together the civilian and military medical communities for an exchange of best practices. The seminar highlights how advances in battlefield medicine continue to change the spectrum of emergency and trauma care in the US.
Senior Leaders Seminar – International Forum
An invitation only seminar featuring keynote speakers, panel discussions and workshops where elected officials, government, private sector, and military leaders work together reviewing innovations and best practices in humanitarian assistance. Leaders will be briefed on the 2022 SFFW DSCA Exercise, as well as participate in topic-based discussion groups focused on Cyber Security, COVID-19 Response, Mental Health and Climate Change. (By invitation only)
Thursday 6 October
Senior Leaders Seminar
Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA)
An invitation only seminar featuring keynote speakers, panel discussions and workshops where elected officials, government, private sector, and military leaders work together reviewing innovations and best practices in humanitarian assistance. Leaders will be briefed on the 2022 SFFW DSCA Exercise, as well as participate in topic-based discussion groups focused on Cyber Security, COVID-19 Response, Mental Health and Climate Change. (By invitation only)
Friday 7 October- Sunday 9 October
Humanitarian Assistance Village (HAV)
Humanitarian Assistance Village is an interactive demonstration of U.S. Military and civilian capabilities in responding to a disaster. (Open to the public)
STEM Education Center
Co-located within the HAV is the STEM Education Center where Military and civilian organizations put on interactive and static displays demonstrating the wonders of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education. Exhibits include robotics, energy, communications, and other STEM-related programs
Saturday 8 October
K-9 Heroes
Military and civilian canine heroes demonstrate some of the most important rescue work for us in the field and in the home. See how these four-legged friends have become heroes to many. (Open to the public)
Monday 10 October
High School Band Challenge
Select Bay Area high school bands compete for prize money to support their school music programs. The United States Marine Corps 1st Marine Division Band kicks off this event with a stirring performance of patriotic songs and a musical celebration and serves as the panel of judges. This event has donated over $100,000 to local music programs.