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Bonhomme Richard Completes NEO Exercise

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080731-16
Release Date: 7/31/2008 4:27:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Justin Webb, USS Bonhomme Richard Public Affairs

USS BONHOMME RICHARD, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) (BHR) completed a two-day non-combatant evacuation operation (NEO) drill aboard July 28.

NEOs are conducted to assist the Department of State in evacuating U.S. citizens, Department of Defense civilian personnel and designated host nation and third country nationals whose lives are in danger.

These evacuees are taken from foreign nations to an appropriate safe haven. In the event of a NEO, BHR might serve as an intermediate shelter until the evacuees could return to their respective countries.

BHR's NEO officer Lt. j.g. Brandi Cropper organized the two-day drill, aimed to prepare the ship in case of a real-life NEO and to allow ship's company the opportunity to see potential pitfalls and areas where improvements can be made.

"A NEO is important because it is one of the missions and capabilities of BHR. We can be called upon at any time to conduct one of these, and the more times we practice, the better we will react to real-world events."

NEO facilitators arranged eight stations in the hangar bay to provide assistance to the evacuees. First stop was a security screening checkpoint. At this location, they were checked for weapons, explosives and contraband.

"BHR's force protection training team did a great job today," said Master at Arms 1st Class (SW/AW) Aristotle Jimenez. "This is a billion-dollar warship, so it's important for us to get this type of training which ensures we are ready to protect the ship."

Once they passed the security screening, evacuees received a short brief from the ship's chaplain to ensure them of their safety and to briefly explain the check-in process. Evacuees were then moved through all stations to ensure they were timely and efficiently processed through all necessary NEO check points.

"Every station was very prepared, enthusiastic and extremely effective in carrying out their roles," said Cropper.

She added that the lessons learned from this NEO simulation will be incorporated into future drills and work-ups for next year's scheduled Western Pacific deployment.

BHR is currently in the Hawaii operating region for the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise. RIMPAC is the world's largest multinational exercise and is scheduled biennially by the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Participants include the United States, Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, the Netherlands, Peru, Republic of Korea, Singapore and the United Kingdom.

For more news from USS Bonhomme Richard, visit www.navy.mil/local/lhd6/.