Navy EURAFSWA Installations to Participate in Reliant Defense 2012

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

NAPLES, Italy (NNS) -- Installations in Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia (EURAFSWA) will participate in Exercise Reliant Defense 2012 (RD-12) March 19-21.

RD-12 is one of several annual Navy security training exercises taking place worldwide. The exercise stresses areas of the Navy's anti-terrorism program to train Navy security forces and refine force protection responses to potential threats to installations and units.

"We're testing our ability to respond, coordinate, and manage events that affect base security, personnel, and other assets ashore," said Navy Region EURAFSWA Operations Officer Capt. Rodney DeWalt.

All six Navy installations throughout Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia will execute the exercise in collaboration with region headquarters in Naples, Italy.

"The focus is really at the installation level, the fundamental building block for Navy security ashore," said DeWalt.

Participants will include Navy Region EURAFSWA; Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples, Italy; Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy; NSA Bahrain; NSA Souda Bay, Greece; Naval Station Rota, Spain; and Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti.

"RD-12 is an excellent opportunity for all programs to practice teamwork for a coordinated response," said Tracey Murdock, the region's acting program director for training and readiness.

During the exercise, installation and Region personnel will rehearse reporting and tactical procedures. Personnel will practice relaying data to decision makers in order to improve coordination.

Local communities around the bases may be affected due to the exercise, but the Navy is committed to minimizing traffic congestion and any other problems that may result.

"The exercise focuses on force protection from which we all benefit," said Murdock. "Practicing communications and working through 'what if' scenarios to develop response plans help us fulfill our mission and keep our people safe."

Navy Region EURAFSWA delivers efficient and effective shore service support to U.S. and allied forces operating in the Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia area of responsibility.