USS Denver to Participate in Disaster Preparedness Drill
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS100827-22
8/27/2010
By Lt. Colby Drake, Commander, Amphibious Force, U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs
YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- USS Denver (LPD 9) is scheduled to simulate medical support and relief supplies transfer during the Tokyo Municipal Government's Disaster Preparedness Drill Aug. 29.
"The importance of these operations is to show what we're actually capable of providing, which in this case, is disaster response," said Capt. Mario Mifsud, commanding officer of Denver. "And I think it's a very good capability when you look at not just the USS Denver, but amphibious forces as a whole."
Denver will simulate a medical response to injured personnel brought on board by helicopter and will transfer boxes of disaster relief supplies via landing craft to a harbor terminal in Tokyo. The ship will also host distinguished visitors and national media who will observe the medical response.
"These drills are important because they strengthen our relationship with Japan and demonstrate our flexibility when it comes to disaster relief and humanitarian assistance," said Denver Command Master Chief Jason Wallis.
Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief is a cornerstone in the Navy's Maritime Strategy and an important aspect of the close partnership between the United States and Japan. This year is the fifth time a U.S. vessel has been invited to participate in the disaster drill and also marks the 50th anniversary of the strategic alliance between the two countries.
Denver is a member of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group and Task Force 76, the only permanently forward deployed amphibious force in the Navy. Future assignments have Denver continuing to carry out operations in the 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility.
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