Operation Shield on the Potomac River

On a recent trip to Washington, DC, I was invited to observe a multi-jurisdictional drill. Operation Shield on the Potomac River was a simulated rescue of victims from a plane crash. Several fire boats taking part were from the DCFD and Prince George’s County FD (PGFD).

DCFD Fire Boat John H Glenn Jr
The DCFD Fire Boat John H Glenn Jr. Larry Shapiro photo
Prince George's County Fire Boat 843
The PGFD large fire boat. Larry Shapiro photo

This was an interesting opportunity to photograph the boats and to observe some of the DC skyline and monuments from the water.

Washington DC marina from the Washington Channel at night
A view of the DC marina from the Washington Channel as we left the marine headquarters. Larry Shapiro photo
Washington and Jefferson Memorials from the Potomac River
The memorials from the river at midnight. Larry Shapiro photo

The conditions were pitch black which required an extremely high ISO setting that produced significant digital noise in the files. Nonetheless, I was able to create some interesting images. Occasionally I used a flash when another boat was close by.

DCFD fire boat on the river at night
One of the small DCFD fire boats, Larry Shapiro photo
PGFD Zodiac fire boat on the water
PGFD firefighters in a rigid hull inflatable. Larry Shapiro photo
DCFD Zodiac fire boat on the water
DCFD firefighters in a rigid hull inflatable. Larry Shapiro photo
DCFD fire boat doing a search on the Potomac
A firefighter searching for victims. Larry Shapiro photo

thanks Vito for the invitation