• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Navy, Air Force Improve Interoperability During Drill in Japan

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS081204-03
Release Date: 12/4/2008 6:52:00 AM

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Brian Naranjo, Commander Fleet Activities Misawa Public Affairs

MISAWA, Japan (NNS) -- Navy and Air Force personnel increased operational readiness and interoperability during a mass casualty drill that took place as part of a triennial Air Force Unit Compliance Inspection at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Nov. 17.

"Our working with Navy assets here very realistically prepares us for what we're probably going to be doing down range in a joint environment," said team leader Air Force Staff Sgt. Kyle Scritchfield.

The veteran airman and firefighter has been assigned to Misawa Air Base since April but recalled working with Sailors on Okinawa 2006-2007. He said "with modern warfare, and all the joint operations that we have," joint training is the right way to do business on Misawa.

The exercise, aimed at increasing interoperability and strengthening the ties between the sister services, included realistic scenarios. One simulation involved a downed aviator requiring immediate medical assistance from a passerby.

Equipment Operator First Class (SCW) Clifford Martin was told in the morning to "be ready," but he had no idea what situation exercise planners would throw his way, he said.

"You always plan for the worst, and hope for the best," Martin said. "Whether it's an exercise, or a real-life situation, you have to be ready."

The simulated scenario required Martin reacting when discovering a"downed aviator" who "suffered" leg injuries.

"I've been involved in a lot of drills and exercises, but I'd never seen anything like this before," said the Seabee of the realistic-looking "injuries."

Martin, a graduate of the Seabee Combat Lifesaving Course, sprung into action, providing necessary "lifesaving" support. In addition, he ensured emergency services were notified and stabilized the patient until first responders could arrive.

Once the Misawa Air Base firefighting team arrived, Martin worked closely - as needed - with the team to monitor the aviator's condition prior to a medical evacuation.

"He was a great help relaying the information through 9-1-1, which freed up time on-scene. When we got there, he had a good grip on what was going on, and he relayed a lot of information. Instead of going in blind, it gave us a jump start on the situation," said Scritchfield.

In the case of the exercise, the interoperability of the services proved critical. Members of the evaluation team credited Martin with "saving" the aviator's life.

"EO1 [Martin] did a great job," said Chief Damage Controlman (SW/AW) Danny Kenney, a member of the Misawa Air Base Exercise Evaluation Team which critiqued all first responders during the event.

"His response was really good. Based on the speed of his reaction, this poor aviator has a great chance to survive."

For more news from Commander Fleet Activities Misawa, visit www.navy.mil/local/cfamisawa/.