CTF 59 Completes Disaster Relief Training Exercise
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS080530-19
Release Date: 5/30/2008 3:29:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Coleman, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs
PERSIAN GULF (NNS) -- Commander, Task Force 59 (CTF 59) completed a humanitarian assistance exercise May 25, designed to improve their collective response capabilities in the event of a natural disaster.
The In Lieu Of (ILO) exercise tested a joint task force's ability to set up a command and control center to facilitate relief efforts without the support of a Marine Expeditionary Unit.
"The purpose of the exercise is to deepen our capability in humanitarian assistance and disaster recovery," said Rear Adm. Kendall L. Card, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 3 based in Bahrain. "We're trying to broaden our capabilities, so we reduce the response time, number of deaths and mitigate human suffering."
Units participating in the exercise included ESG 3, CTF 59, the amphibious assault ship USS Nassau (LHA 4), U.S. Army Central Command (ARCENT), U.S. Air Force Central Command (AFCENT), U.S. Marine Corps Central Command (MARCENT), U.S. Navy Central Command (NAVCENT), CTF 56, CTF 55 and CTF 53.
"We rely on all the services' capabilities to provide the best response to these crises," said Card. "Each of the services has unique capabilities and by putting them all together under one commander we provide the very best the United States has to offer in terms of resources."
The exercise took place from May 18-25, both at sea aboard Nassau and ashore. ILO involved the movement of personnel and equipment from ship-to-shore and established a command and control element in both locations.
"Exercises like this are important because it tests our ability to stand up a joint task force and conduct crisis response operations, which is something that we're responsible for as CTF 59," said Lt. Cmdr. Joseph Pezzato, contingency planner for CTF 59.
In the event of an actual crisis in the U.S. Central Command area of operations, CTF 59 is the command and control task force currently assigned to immediately respond if the host nation requests aid.
"As NAVCENT's agent for crisis response, it's something that we don't always get to practice because it involves members of all different services coming together to form a joint task force," said Pezzato.
Aside from testing and improving the abilities of the task force, the exercise also helped to strengthen regional relationships and demonstrate the U.S. forces commitment to the security and welfare of the region.
"This provides an opportunity for us to deepen our relationship with regional countries," said Vice Adm. Kevin J. Cosgriff, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command. "It is important that other nations see us as reliable and that we want to contribute to the well-being of others."
Pezzato echoed similar thoughts.
"Exercises like this improve our relationship with the host nation because even though we're not actually providing assistance to any one nation, it shows them that it is one of our missions, to help out in the event of a crisis," he said. "It demonstrates our commitment to the region and shows that we're not just here to fight wars, we're also here to maintain a presence of the United States in helpful situations."
CTF 59 is currently conducting disaster relief training exercises in support of Maritime Support Operations which develop the conditions for security in the maritime environment, promoting regional
stability and global prosperity.
For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/cusnc/.
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