Pacific Region Militaries Join Humanitarian Community Workshop for Pacific Endeavor

By Lt. Theresa Donnelly, Pacific Command Public Affairs

CHANGI NAVAL BASE, Singapore (NNS) -- Military representatives from Singapore and U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM) hosted a humanitarian communication workshop for 16 Asia-Pacific nations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as part of Pacific Endeavor at Changi Command and Control Center at Changi Naval Base, Singapore Aug. 16-27.

Established in 2003, Pacific Endeavor tests the processes participating nations, non-governmental organizations and other entities would likely deploy in support of a major natural disaster.

For the first time since the program's establishment, members of the humanitarian community played a key role in the workshop. The United Nations, Salvation Army and the Singapore Red Cross representatives participated to further the interoperability between non-governmental organizations and the military.

"I think it is really important to have the humanitarian community here this year," said New Zealand Army Lt. Dan Swale. "The military is just one component of the whole-of-government approach. There are so many partners that we work with when a disaster occurs."

More than 250 communication experts from the military, humanitarian community and private industry took part in the scenario, which simulated an earthquake in the Philippines. Teams from the various countries also tested routers and radio frequencies as well as received training on how to protect personal information stored on computer databases.

"This year, we were able to bring a scenario in and perform the functions of a C6 combined forces information team," said U.S. Navy Chief Warrant Officer 4 Vincent Street, Pacific Endeavor future operations planner. "This can fully support the communication needs of a multinational force during a major disaster."

Pacific Endeavor also lays the groundwork for enhanced relations among the humanitarian community, military forces and private industry. By putting the humanitarian community together in a workshop venue, they can quickly team up when a crisis hits and call upon their newly established contacts for assistance and advice.

"If we can't communicate, we can't operate," said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Brett Williams, director for Command, Control, Communications, Computer Systems Directorate (J6). "We are so fortunate to have the non-governmental organizations with us this year. This provides a terrific laboratory to refine our skills that is most needed in times of disaster."

The workshop also explored emerging uses of social networking tools and highlighted the role of social networking sites, such as PACOM's All Partner Access Network used during Haiti relief efforts earlier this year. Operators received training on these resources so they will understand how to deploy these technologies in a disaster.

"It is so important for all the nations to be able to work together, help each other and find ways to improve our processes," said Bangladesh Navy Cmdr. Afzal Hossain. "This is a win-win situation for us. We have a lot to gain and share with others."