Malaysia Special Task and Rescue, US Civil Affairs Design Disaster Response Plans

Courtesy Photo | Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency Special Task and Rescue (STAR) and U.S. Special Operations Command Civil Affairs members design disaster response plans during a joint combined exchange training event, August 4, 2023, at the Sultan Amad Shah Maritime Academy, near Kuantan, Malaysia. The JCET strengthens defense ties, reinforcing the foundation and framework necessary to respond rapidly and effectively to regional crises. (Courtesy photo)  

KUANTAN (TANJONG GELANG), MALAYSIA

08.04.2023

Courtesy Story

U.S. Special Operations Command Pacific

KUANTAN, Malaysia – A U.S. Special Operations Command Civil Affairs team spent five weeks with 69 members of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency Special Task and Rescue (STAR) designing and rehearsing a disaster response plan at the Sultan Amad Shah Maritime Academy, near Kuantan, Malaysia.

The joint combined exchange training took place during the months of July through August where Malaysia and U.S. servicemembers shared tactical first aid techniques, evacuation procedures and disaster response planning designs at the operational level. The JCET strengthens defense ties, reinforcing the foundation and framework necessary to respond rapidly and effectively to regional crises.

“This joint training built immense trust and comradery between U.S. and Malaysian forces,” said U.S. Army Capt. Matthew Ippolito, Civil Affairs team leader. “We have much to learn from each other, and I’m looking forward to continuing training with our partners at Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency.”

The training concluded with a culminating exercise, in which participants were required to use all the skills they gained to organize, build and execute a disaster response plan during a simulated natural disaster.

“We found the method of instructing to be very interesting and effective,” said a MMEA STAR officer. “We would love to be involved in other training with the U.S. which can enhance our skills and knowledge, especially in rescue operations.”

• Date Taken: 08.04.2023
• Date Posted: 10.26.2023 21:03
• Story ID: 456566
• Location: KUANTAN (TANJONG GELANG), MY