Annual Joint Drill Strengthens U.S. and Host Nation Ties and Capabilities

Photo By erika figueroa | Yokosuka, Japan - U.S. Naval Hospital Yokosuka (USNHY) in coordination with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Hospital held a joint Mass Casualty Drill on September 20th. Working jointly with our host nation counterparts is an integral part of ensuring military readiness for both the US and Japan.  

YOKOSUKA, KANAGAWA, JAPAN

09.20.2019

Courtesy Story

U.S. Naval Hospital Yokosuka

Yokosuka, Japan - U.S. Naval Hospital Yokosuka (USNHY) in coordination with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Hospital held a joint Mass Casualty Drill on September 20th. Teams from both hospitals simulated a response to a major earthquake event in the area with the intent of exercising their ability to provide a coordinated emergency medical response effort.

Dozens of mock patients were transported to USNHY and triaged by both U.S. and Japanese first responders. The drill also tested the operability of both commands’ supply and infrastructure strength in the face of a wide-scale emergency.

Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Madison Thomas, was one of the triage team leads for the drill. "It felt great to work with such a talented team from our hospital, as well as our host nation," Thomas said. "Our ability to work closely with Japan, and to rely upon one another, is an invaluable asset."

Working jointly with our host nation counterparts is an integral part of ensuring military readiness for both the US and Japan. In that vein, USNHY and JMSDF Hospital surgical teams once again furthered the goal of interoperability by simulating a surgery performed on a drill participant portraying a wounded patient.

USNHY Executive Officer Capt. Manuel Alsina, Incident Commander for the operation, noticed a marked improvement from previous efforts. “We always discover new challenges, and that’s a good thing,” he said. “There was exceptional communication up and down the chain of command.”

As annual event it is the hope and distinct confidence of both USNHY and the JMSDF Hospital that their dedicated efforts will result in further opportunities for growth and cooperation.

• Date Taken: 09.20.2019
• Date Posted: 10.04.2019 04:04
• Story ID: 346005
• Location: YOKOSUKA, KANAGAWA, JP
• Hometown: YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, JP