BAYEX 2024

by Elizabeth Phillips
California Military Department Public Affairs

May 28, 2024

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – Under the crisp blue sky, nestled by the ocean, the calm before the storm overtook the Golden Gate Bridge. Dozens of state partners showed up to begin a simulation of "California's worst day". Who would respond if there were a terrorist attack against our great state?

BAYEX 2024 was hosted by the 95th Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team, a four-day exercise that set new standards for interoperability and crisis management. This high-stakes operation brought together an alliance of local, state, and federal agencies, including the FBI, California Office of Emergency Services, and a multitude of local law enforcement and fire departments.

By pushing the boundaries of traditional emergency response paradigms, BAYEX 2024 not only fortified the collective capabilities of the participating teams but also set a formidable precedent for future joint operations. The participating responders, their agencies, and the communities they serve are more prepared than ever for California's worst day.

Watch the short videos below to follow the training day by day!

BAYEX Day 1

*EXERCISE* An unknown person was observed moving from a docked boat in Horseshoe Bay towards the Lime Point Lighthouse. A "science lab" was observed, and an inspection of the boat led to the discovery of a box marked "Radiation". Local law enforcement and the National Parks Service have been notified. The Person of Interest is still at large. Local authorities have requested mutual aid, state, and federal assets to arrive on scene.

BAYEX Day 2

*EXERCISE* A simulated operation aboard the USS Hornet in Alameda. Based on intel from yesterday’s operations at Lime Point Lighthouse, teams are conducting a warrant search, drone reconnaissance, and interrogating suspicious contraptions in three rooms. Hazards include chemical labs, homemade explosives, and dispersal devices.

BAYEX Day 3

*EXERCISE* A simulated operation at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Based on intel gathered over the past two days of operations, teams are investigating a suspect flying into SFO. Upon arrival, a hostage situation unfolds, leading to the release of a chemical into the fuselage. SWAT and bomb squads are on the scene to evacuate and handle the threat. Hazards include two-legged threats, bombs, chemical, and biological agents.

BAYEX Day 4

*EXERCISE* A simulated terrorist attack at California’s Great America. Culminating four days of intensive operations, our teams are responding to multiple scenarios, including rescuing individuals stuck high on a roller coaster, handling chemical, biological, radiological, and explosive threats, and ensuring public safety.