Bonhomme Richard Ready for Any Contingency
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS090731-16
Release Date: 7/31/2009 3:36:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Eva-Marie Ramsaran, Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group Public Affairs
USS BONHOMME RICHARD, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors aboard amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard conducted a non-combatant evacuation operations (NEO) drill with Marines of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) July 29.
A NEO is the safe evacuation of American civilians and embassy officials in the event an emergency situation arises in a foreign country. Bonhomme Richard and the 11th MEU conducted the drill to train personnel should such an operation arise during their upcoming deployment.
Approximately 180 evacuees, role-played by Marines from the 11th MEU, were brought aboard via landing craft utility. Various stations were set up in the hangar bay including personnel in-processing, security, ship safety and medical.
Bonhomme Richard's Administrative Department created a database to process the evacuees, while the supply department provided refreshments.
The ship's safety department provided general information to the evacuees on shipboard safety. Ship's chaplains greeted the evacuees as they came aboard. The medical department was also available to provide medical treatment. Finally, evacuees were escorted to their berthing areas.
"Every department on the ship is playing a role in this drill," said Lt.j.g. Elisa Noonan, NEO coordinator. "It is a great example of how the blue/green team can come together to complete a mission efficiently and bring evacuees to safety when we are called upon for support."
Bonhomme Richard, flagship for the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group is currently participating in a composite training unit exercise in preparation for an upcoming regularly scheduled deployment.
For more news from USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), visit www.navy.mil/local/lhd6/.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
