HM-15 Lifts Up Crisis Response Exercise

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brian May, USS Wasp Public Affairs
During a crisis response exercise, MH-53E Sea Dragons of Helicopter Mine Countermeasure Squadron (HM) 15 transport Marines attached to 4th Platoon 2nd Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team (FAST) ashore from USS Wasp (LHD 1). Coalition forces are conducting a crisis response exercise to enhance its capabilities to respond to a host nation's request for assistance during a time of a crisis. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sandra M. Palumbo)

Helicopter Mine Counter Measure Squadron (HM) 15 "Blackhawks" are providing air lift support for personnel and equipment aboard the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) during a crisis response exercise off the coast of Bahrain that began Nov. 1.

"We provide heavy-lift capabilities," said Lt. Scott Tompkins, a pilot for HM-15. "If that means carrying troops or cargo, the aircraft is capable of doing either."

HM-15 uses the MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter, an aircraft that is capable of carrying 55 people, or a payload of up to 16 tons.

Many of the pilots and air crew of HM-15 have already experienced crisis response scenarios during their careers.

"Most of the pilots here were involved with [Hurricane] Katrina, so they have the experience with real life situations that may occur," said Tompkins.

While HM-15 pilots and air crew have practical experience, they still find this exercise helpful for future crisis response situations.

"By practicing this exercise, it will make everything smoother and will allow us to respond faster to people in need," said Aviation Systems Warfare Operator 2nd Class (NAC) Brad Johnson, an air crewman for HM-15.

"You train like you fight, fight like you train," added Johnson.

While aboard for the crisis response exercise, HM-15 is responsible for offloading Marines to secure an area for use during crisis response, as well as other personnel and equipment.

"By getting [the Marines] to their location during this scenario, it allows us to have a secure perimeter to land so we can get personnel and supplies to the area," said HM-15 Leading Chief Petty Officer, Senior Chief Aviation Machinist's Mate (AW) Gary Dilts.

The crisis response exercise is being conducted Nov. 1-7 to enhance coalition forces' capabilities in case humanitarian assistance and disaster relief is requested from a regional nation in a time of crisis.

CTF 59, Coalition Forces Conduct Crisis Response Exercise

See related story at http://mt-milcom.blogspot.com/2007/11/crisis-response-exercise-underway.html.

Commander, Task Force (CTF) 59, responsible for planning and carrying out contingency operations in the region, and coalition forces are conducting the second phase of a crisis response exercise in the region Nov. 1-7.

Phase 1 was a table-top discussion which focused on the planning phase of the exercise.

This second phase moves operational assets into action and transports relief supplies and equipment ashore from USS Wasp (LHD 1) to a staging base in Bahrain.

The exercise scenario involves a tropical cyclone that devastates a notional regional nation, destroying its critical infrastructure, shutting down its international airport, desalination and electrical plants, and displacing thousands of citizens. Additionally, the scenario includes an oil spill from a damaged tanker at sea.

"One cannot predict when or where a natural disaster is going to take place," said Rear Adm. Terence E. McKnight, CTF 59 commander. "But we can train to improve our response when a host nation requests our assistance. Coalition forces are committed to helping a host nation that requests our assistance by providing support, security and stability to the region."

In addition to the CTF 59 staff, exercise participants include: U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, task force commanders responsible for logistics (CTF 53); MH-53 helicopters which will be conducting most of the personnel and equipment transfers from ship to shore (CTF 55); the U.S. Navy Seabees or construction battalion (CTF 56); and maritime air patrol (CTF 57); U.S. Embassy in Bahrain, Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team, Wasp, Joint Communications Support Element, Standing Joint Forces Head Quarters, U.S. Air Force Central Command, and various Coalition forces and regional countries.

"As the lead task force of planning and executing a crisis response, it is imperative to coordinate with all those involved," said Lt. Col. Douglas Scott, CTF 59 plans officer. "We've completed the planning phase, now it's time to put things in motion."

Crisis Response Exercise Underway

Marines stop and salute the ensign as they embark onto amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) in Bahrain in preparation for a crisis response exercise. Coalition forces are conducting a crisis response exercise Nov. 1-7 to enhance their capabilities to respond to a host nation's request for assistance during a time of crisis. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sandra M. Palumbo)