On October 16 & 17, 2002 OEM hosted its first-ever "war games" exercise, moderated by the United States Naval War College with the participation from the NYPD, FDNY, and other City, State, and federal agencies.
The two-day tabletop drill was held to determine the City's ability to deal with hypothetical terrorist attacks at several locations throughout the City. Phase One was held at OEM's temporary headquarters in Brooklyn. Phase Two was held at Con Edison's Learning Center in Long Island City, Queens.

Former OEM Commissioner John Odermatt addresses the drill participants

Phase Two of Operation United Strength occurs at Con Edison's Learning Center in Queens

Mayor Bloomberg holds a press conference to provide a recap of the exercise