Local defence exercise seen and heard

The Kinetic Stone 26 local defense exercise brought together local defense forces and regional authorities, including various actors from the city of Loimaa. The main objective of the exercise was to develop joint preparedness in the region in co-operation with other authorities of the area.

The actual exercise began on Friday, February 27, and soldiers and vehicles were visible in the Loimaa area from March 2 to 5. The exercise was carried out professionally and largely unnoticed.

Table game for training

On Wednesday, the Finnish Defense Forces organized table exercises for local authorities at the Sarka Museum. The extended management team of the city of Loimaa was present, together with the Southwest Finland Police Department, the Southwest Finland Rescue Department, the Southwest Finland Social and Crisis Services, and the Finnish Red Cross. The exercise covered various disruptive situations and solutions from the perspective of different parties.

The city’s own exercises at the same time

In connection with the local defense exercise, various situations were also practiced in order to develop the city’s own operations. On Wednesday, an evacuation drill was held at the Hirvikoski comprehensive school, where students practiced a joint evacuation and moved to the Hirvihovi premises under supervision. Parents were informed shortly before the drill began via a Wilma message.

Manne Pärkö, Director of Education and Culture, participated in the evacuation drill as an observer.

“The drill was well executed, as it was as realistic as possible and no advance information was given so that the functionality of the different stages could be monitored as realistically as possible. The evacuation, inspection of the premises, and guidance of the students went well for the most part. The transfer to the assembly points and alternative premises was also successful. During the drill, some minor areas for improvement were identified, which have already been addressed with a view to the future,” says Pärkö.

Esa Aronoja, Safety Manager and evacuation drill planner, commented on the drills as follows:

“Our exercises tested, among other things, the use of communication networks and equipment, as well as operations in the event of a power outage using a backup generator. The exercises went largely according to plan, although some areas for improvement were identified. We would like to thank the staff at Hirvikoski Comprehensive School, who participated in the evacuation exercise in good spirit, even though they had not been informed of the exercise in advance.”

According to Aronoja, cooperation between different authorities was emphasized during the exercise.

“The smooth cooperation between the city, the defense forces, and other authorities was highlighted in the local defense exercise. Special thanks go to the defense forces for their communication with the city. The planning of the targets involved in the exercise was also successful in cooperation with the defense forces,” Aronoja continues.

Citizen event attracted interested parties

On Wednesday afternoon, Loimaa Market Square was filled with various participants in a citizen event held from 2 to 6 p.m. In addition to the Finnish Defense Forces and the City of Loimaa, the market square featured presentations by the Southwest Finland Police Department, the Southwest Finland Rescue Department, the West Finland Coast Guard District, the Southwest Finland Defense District, the Pori Brigade Guild, the Finnish Red Cross, Loimaa Region Reservists Association and other organizations. Both equipment and backup power generators were on display.

The sales stands of the Loimaa Region War Veterans Association and the Soldier’s Home were eagerly awaited. The pea soup ran out after just over two hours, and the last doughnuts found buyers by half past four.

Thursday morning activities in the city center

Thursday morning began spectacularly in the city center when several soldiers, vehicles, and service points arrived near the market square. The exercise involved troops from the Pori Brigade, the Karelia Brigade, and the Virginia National Guard at the old city hall. This part of the exercise also focused on cooperation between authorities, as the Southwest Finland Rescue Department, Loimaa Regional Hospital staff, and the Southwest Finland Police Department were also present.

Below is a photo gallery of the various events: