The department of Homeland Security, along with the Civil Air Patrol, have been conducting simulated terrorist attack drills in California.
And mission commanders are using Bakersfield as their home base.
The simulated attacks prepare authorities for what may happen in the event of a chemical attack on our waterways, or implosions of major thoroughfares in California.
The mission is simple. Prepare now before it's too late.
"We never know when something might happen like 9-11 again." said Lt. Col. Steve Asche.
He's been part of the three-day drill.
The first scenario:
Attackers topple the Interstate 5 overpass in Sylmar, and destroy the Highway 101 Gavotta tunnel in Santa Barbara.
Another scenario: Attackers contaminate the lakes, reservoirs and waterways in Kern county.
These potential disasters keep first responders on their toes.
"We want to be wheels up with in an hour, treat everything as if it's real, just like the fire department." said Civil Air Patrol First Lieutenant Matt Scherzi.
The Civil Air Patrol was established in the 1940's during World War II.
The division was seen as a way to use America's civilian aviation resources to aid the war effort instead of grounding them.
The organization assumed many missions including anti-submarine patrol and border patrols.
But now, they're adapting those missions for the new world, one that includes the potential for more terrorist attacks.
"The mission has gone back to where it was it the 40's but nothing changes it all remains the same." said Scherzi.
Officials say they chose Bakersfield as their test site because of its central location in the state.
Another round of flights will be conducted Saturday.
They say while the missions are simulated, their responses are real.
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