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Exercise Reliant Star 2012 Tests Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS120605-12
6/5/2012

By Lt. Tim Hawkins, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia Public Affairs

NAPLES, Italy (NNS) -- Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia completed its annual emergency management exercise Reliant Star 2012 in Naples, Italy, June 5.

This year's exercise was conducted in close cooperation with Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella and focused on refining formal planning and problem solving processes used by region watchstanders when conducting contingency or emergency operations.

"This year's exercise was a little different than previous exercises in that it was designed by Sigonella to enable Region to take another look at how it assists its installations," said Lt. Kenneth Frauenthal, deputy region training officer.

Region's departmental leaders and special assistants form a crisis action team (CAT) when emergent operations require Navy installations in Italy, Spain, Greece, Djibouti or Bahrain to provide shore-based support services beyond normal capacity. The CAT is composed of cross-functional subject matter experts who are responsible for developing and analyzing courses of action and solutions.

"Emergency management doesn't always have to be crisis response. It can be [in] response to a significant operation or event," said Frauenthal. "You just gather all your big brains together and work on solving a problem."

In the exercise scenario, Region was tasked with helping one of its installations prepare to support a fictional contingent of coalition units that exceeded capacity. The CAT was charged with developing multiple options and plans related to feeding, housing and caring for a flurry of additional personnel.

"The most challenging part of this exercise for me was getting information from several different sources," said Chief Yeoman (SW) Daniel Bowen who helps process requests for support from Region's operational assets.

Region faced a similar real-world scenario nearly one year ago during Operation Unified Protector. When the NATO-led mission to protect civilians and civilian populated areas in Libya began, NAS Sigonella was overwhelmed with forward-deployed coalition personnel. The installation barracks reached 170 percent capacity in May 2011, leading to the speedy construction of a tent city capable of housing 550 occupants.

"These are the types of problems where Region's CAT can help its installations plan. In past years we haven't necessarily stressed this," said Frauenthal. The exercise evaluated the CAT's ability to work as a team, assess the situation, and create different options for a commander's ultimate decision.

"As somebody who goes out and sees a lot of exercises, it was a first for me to watch this effort that drove home the point that Region exists to support the installations," said Michael Crockett, a shore operations training group chief from Commander Naval Installations Command (CNIC). Crockett was present to certify that Region's command, control and communications processes and procedures met requirements.

"Region basically took their entire Crisis Action Team and organized it as a planning group with direct support to the installation, which is consistent with the CNIC way of doing business," said Crockett. "We all exist to support the installation."

Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia delivers efficient and effective shore service support to U.S. and allied forces operating in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.