Multinational Force Responds During Natural Disaster Training

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Sylvia Nealy, USS Mount Whitney Public Affairs

DEVONPORT PLYMOUTH, England (NNS) -- Joint civil service mariners from four different nations aided dozens of civilians stranded at a village in a realistic scenario during the France, Russia, United Kingdom and United States (FRUKUS) exercise 2010 July 21.

"I wanted to combine the nations and put them in a position to provide humanitarian aid and disaster relief effectively, while observing coordination between nations as they assist causalities using their techniques to overcome the situation," said Royal Navy Lt. Cmdr. John Bull, staff executive officer to Flag Officer Sea Training.

Bull Point Village was a full size training ground, complete with traumatic mock-ups expected during a natural disaster. FRUKUS teams worked together to fight fires, extract trapped victims and provide first aid and survival supplies.

"This has been a new experience for me," said Information Systems Technician 3rd Class Jared Chase, U.S. Medical Team Member, USS Mount Whitney (LCC/JCC 20). "It forced me to react in a fast efficient manner based on how realistic the scene was with multiple distractions going on at once."

The village had 150 residents prior to the hurricane. The simulated four-hour hurricane left 11 dead, 51 injured and 19 survivors.

The multinational team's quick response surprised the survivors, who were in a state of shock.

"I was frightened when the responders approached me because they were strangers, then I had reassurance when I realized they were here to help and take care of me," Geraldine Dennis, a survivor from the Village, said.

Royal Navy Rear Adm. Christopher Snow, Flag Officer Sea Training, arrived at the village half-way through the exercise. He commented on the collaborative efforts and learning taking place during the event.

"This exercise is a great way to unite different nations, but underneath the surface it's about confidence, building trust, and understanding each other during FRUKUS exercise 2010," said Snow. "Today, we received a bit of experience of what life would be like in a real life situation and during this experience everyone can get a sense of what different navies can do together."

FRUKUS is an annual naval exercise with the maritime forces of France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. It formulates joint activities within a multinational operational formation while improving interoperability between the nations.

Mount Whitney is currently on its scheduled deployment in support of FRUKUS exercise 2010. She is the U.S. Sixth Fleet flagship homeported in Gaeta, Italy and operates with a hybrid crew of U.S. Sailors and Military Sealift Fleet Support Command civil service mariners.