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III MEF continues Thailand assistance

US Marine Corps News

11/18/2011 By Lance Cpl. Alyssa N. Hoffacker, Marine Corps Bases Japan

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA, OKINAWA, Japan — U.S. Pacific Command sent the III Marine Expeditionary Force flood-relief command element from here to the Kingdom of Thailand Nov. 14 to provide command and control for follow-on U.S. forces to support and assist the Royal Government of Thailand.

Thailand has experienced significant rainfall during their monsoon season, which has created major flooding issues throughout the country, said Maj. Jonathan A. Derosier, the engineering planner for the flood-relief command element.

The command element, consisting of service members from several branches of the U.S. military, will ensure the U.S. military works in coordination with the Royal Government of Thailand to support the recently flooded areas with aid and recovery.

“We are tasked with the goal of assessing how we can properly support Thailand’s flood-damaged areas,” said Brig. Gen. Craig C. Crenshaw, commander, III MEF flood-relief command element and commanding general for 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III MEF.

The command element is prepared to provide assistance to ongoing flood-recovery operations; the Marine Corps’ role is to quickly respond with capabilities to assist the citizens of Thailand.

To maximize flood-relief efforts, III MEF experts from the medical, engineering, aviation, supply, communication and civil-affairs fields.

“A team of five communication Marines are going and will be using the rapid-response kit while in Thailand,” said Sgt. John F. Watkins, a data expert with the command element. “The rapid-response kit’s capabilities are data, voice and video-teleconference.” The rapid-response kit allows communication to be established in a timely manner facilitating rapid-relief response.

III MEF trains throughout the year during annual exercises in the Asia-Pacific Region, to include Exercise Cobra Gold, which enables effective response and coordination with our long standing U.S. allies and partners, such as the Royal Government of Thailand.

“With the flood-relief command element set up in Thailand, we’ll have boots on the deck, which will speed the reaction time if Thailand and U.S. officials decide to send additional III MEF service members,” said Sgt. Maj. Lawrence P. Fineran, sergeant major, III MEF flood-relief command element and 3rd MLG sergeant major.

III MEF’s actions are part of a larger U.S. initiative to support Thailand as U.S. forces are committed to working and assisting their Thai allies and partners.