SPMAGTF Marines simulate crisis response, enhance unit readiness

Photo By Gunnery Sgt. Jessika Alarcon | A U.S. Marine assigned to Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa provides security as two MV-22B Ospreys prepare to land during an alert force drill at Naval Station Rota, Spain, Oct. 20, 2016. The purpose of the drill was to rehearse and assess the SPMAGTF’s ability to integrate elements and respond to a time-sensitive crisis. SPMAGTF-CR-AF is designed to provide contingency support to U.S. Africa Command, including tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel, embassy reinforcement, support to noncombatant evacuation operations, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jessika Braden/ Released)  

NAVAL STATION ROTA, SPAIN

10.20.2016

Story by Sgt. Jessika Alarcon 

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa     

U.S. Marines and Sailors assigned to Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Crisis Response - Africa conducted a readiness rehearsal at Naval Station Rota, Spain, Oct. 20.
After receiving a simulated crisis response mission, Marines from elements of the SPMAGTF executed the Rapid Response Planning Process to conduct the short notice mission. Marines from the ground combat element then boarded two MV-22B Ospreys at Air Base Morón and made their way to the extraction point to execute the simulated recovery of a downed pilot.
“Our mission was to tactically recover aircraft and personnel from a potentially hostile environment and return them to friendly lines,” said 1stLt. Khalif I. Yisrael, platoon commander with the SPMAGTF’s ground combat element. “These rehearsals prepare us, as the on-call alert force, to respond to contingency operations any given time.”
During the mission, the Marines embarked aboard the aircraft, evaluated their surroundings and secured the landing area. Once secured, three teams moved to the pilot’s location and safely extracted the simulated casualty.
“[The alert force’s] job is to respond to any mission we are tasked with and ensure it is done swiftly,” Yisrael said, adding that rehearsals are necessary to maintaining proficiency of vital skills and being able to adapt to a changing environment when it matters most.
In addition to serving as practice for the Marines on the ground, the drill provides the command an opportunity to assess the unit’s ability to integrate elements of the SPMAGTF and adapt to dynamic conditions. Overall, the drill enhances the unit’s readiness for quick response to a broad range of crises, such as tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel, embassy reinforcement, support to noncombatant evacuation operations, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief.
“These missions allow us to hone our skills as a crisis response unit and mitigate friction points,” said Cpl. Micah S. Salmon, a squad leader with the ground combat element. “The employment of each individual Marine is important in executing the missions and allows communication to flow smoothly.”
SPMAGTF-CR-AF is a self-sustained and self- deployable unit postured at Morón Air Base, giving U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Marine Corps Forces Africa a broad range of military capabilities to respond to crises in the U.S. AFRICOM area of responsibility.

• Date Taken: 10.20.2016
• Date Posted: 10.25.2016 02:59
• Story ID: 212733
• Location: NAVAL STATION ROTA, ES