Navy Medics Reach Out in Africa
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS050714-05
Release Date: 7/14/2005 11:32:00 AM
From Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe/Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs
NAPLES, Italy (NNS) -- More than 100 U.S. military medical and support personnel deployed to Garoua, Cameroon and Libreville, Gabon July 11 to kick off this year's West African Training Cruise Medical Outreach Program (WATC 05 MOP), an annual exercise conducted between the United States and various West African nations.
The exercise improves cooperation and interoperability between participating military medical personnel through joint training, scientific contact, the interchange of medical procedures and the provision of humanitarian assistance to rural populations.
"WATC 05 MOP gives the United States an opportunity to show its concern for the people of western Africa with exercises focusing on their health, well-being, and the prevention of AIDS/HIV," said Capt. Elisabeth Wolfe, mission commander for WATC 05 MOP. "This is a very visible reminder of American commitment and goodwill to the region. Peacetime defense and security cooperation activities by our forces enhance regional cooperation and self-reliance, as well as demonstrating commitment and improving collective military capabilities.
During WATC 05 MOP, medical service units from Cameroon and Gabon will join U.S. Navy personnel from the Operational Health Support Unit Great Lakes to conduct medical training, execute mass casualty simulation, facilitate medical civic action opportunities, and observe cultural exchanges.
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