Sailors, Marines Simulate Embassy Evacuation
Navy Newsstand
Story Number: NNS040719-19
Release Date: 7/20/2004 1:05:00 AM
By Lt. Christina Skacan, Combat Camera Group Pacific 0194
ABOARD USS TARAWA, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Tarawa (LHA 1) and Marines comprising the Special Marine Air Ground Task Force (SPMAGTF) simulated a Non-Combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) during exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2004 in July 14.
Approximately 190 Marines assigned to 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Combat Service Support Group 3, safely evacuated 160 role players from a simulated American embassy to Tarawa.
Initially, a Forward Command Element (FCE) moved ashore to assess the situation and provide the simulated ambassador, Edward Marks - a retired Foreign Service officer with 39 years experience including tours as Ambassador to the Republic of Guinea-Bissau and Charge d'Affaires to Sri Lanka - options for security and evacuation. Aided by real life Supervisory Special Agent Denis Reynolds of the Diplomatic Security Service and FCE Officer in Charge Capt. Timothy Murray, Marks first role-played every option available to calm the situation, then "due to the increased threat to American citizens," called for the NEO.
Approximately 25 Marines, led by Marine Capt. Gary Humphries, simulated at various times opposing forces and vocal protesters from the host nation.
"The training value, once they grasp the scenario, is when these Marines go out and find themselves in a real world similar situation, they will have been there and can rely on this experience," said Humphries.
While a number of planned training evolutions occurred, including many responses to improvised explosive devices and conducting safe transportation despite raids by opposing forces, Humphries praised the "free-thinking" encouraged in the scenario forcing the NEO participants to make on-the-spot decisions. "We're here to throw the monkey into the wrench," added Humphries.
The Evacuation Control Center (ECC), a key element of the NEO, processed all simulated evacuees through stations, including receiving, search and baggage control, administration/registration and embarkation.
"The mission is to rapidly, accurately and safely process evacuees in order to facilitate non-combatant evacuation operations," said Marine 2nd Lt. Marshall Lewis, ECC officer in charge. Additional stations available, if needed, included a detention center, Judge Advocate General consultation and medical evaluation.
"We're going to provide organic support to our folks, and then provide medical care for any evacuee who might need it," said Chief Hospital Corpsman Jeffrey Smith. "We would be concerned about preventative medical care. I'd have to ensure we only took in food and water from sources we know are good-to-go," he added.
Soldiers assigned to 2nd Royal Australian Regiment (RAR), Royal Australian Army participating in RIMPAC added to the realism and complexity of the NEO by role-playing both allied forces and evacuees, some of whom simulated opposing force infiltrators.
"For my NCOs (non-commissioned officers) and my officers, they'll get to see how an American evacuation operation works - but this time from the inside," said Maj. Tony Kaine, commanding officer of "C" Company, RAR.
"Our primary aim of this exercise is to develop interoperability between the RAR and the Marines, and for us to develop expertise in amphibious operations in training areas and with equipment we don't have access to in Australia," noted Kaine.
Concluding the NEO after safely transporting all the role-players via helicopter, 160 evacuees in-processed on Tarawa's hangar deck.
"We search just like customs - no fruits, vegetables, animals or arms," said Lt. Cmdr. Dan Granados, Tarawa's aircraft intermediate maintenance department officer.
Tarawa's receiving stations mirrored those ashore regarding administration/registration, baggage control and medical, but also included attempts to comfort the evacuees, provide food and drink, as well as berthing assignments.
Referring to real world demands, Granados added, "As painstaking as it is to do this, it is worthwhile training."
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