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A comprehensive homeland security exercise will take place at Logan International Airport on Saturday, May 7, 2005. The exercise, known as Operation Atlas, has been organized by Massport, the Mayor’s Office of Homeland Security, and the Metro-Boston Homeland Security Region to simulate a hijacking of a United Airlines flight from Europe forced to land at Logan International Airport. This exercise involves some 50 local, state and federal agencies.

Residents should be aware that if they see a large number of emergency vehicles en route to Logan Airport on the morning of May 7, it is a drill, not an actual emergency and there is no need for concern. Residents should also be aware that the U.S. Northeast Air Defense Command will provide military aircraft for the exercise.

The purpose of this exercise is to find and close gaps in the city, state and federal emergency responses. The exercise will also reinforce cooperation among agencies and assess the Metro-Boston Homeland Security Region’s ability to respond to a high-level threat to the region’s stability and security in compliance with Federal Department of Homeland Security guidelines.

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