MCB Camp Butler conducts Exercise Typhoon Ready 16

Photo By Sgt. Jessica Collins | Typhoons cause havoc throughout the Pacific region during their annual appearances with their destructive winds and heavy rainfall. They not only threaten the safety of people in their path, but also disrupt the regular operations of military installations. In preparation for the annual typhoon season which runs June 1 through November 30, Marine Corps Installations Pacific held Exercise Typhoon Ready 16 April 18-21. The exercise focuses on handling communications and instituting proper safety procedures as a typhoon approaches. (Graphic created by Marine Cpl. Jessica Collins)  

CAMP BUTLER, OKINAWA, JAPAN

04.21.2016

Story by Cpl. Jessica Collins 

Marine Corps Installations Pacific

Typhoons cause havoc throughout the Pacific region during their annual appearances with their destructive winds and heavy rainfall. They not only threaten the safety of people in their path, but also disrupt the regular operations of military installations.

In preparation for the annual typhoon season which runs June 1 through November 30, Marine Corps Installations Pacific held Exercise Typhoon Ready 16 April 18-21.
The exercise focuses on handling communications and instituting proper safety procedures as a typhoon approaches.

“We looked at multiple ways to reach people and connect the camps during the different tropical cyclone conditions of readiness in case the power was to go out,” said Capt. Helen Emory, the assistant current operations officer with G-3/5, training, operations, and plans, MCIPAC. “We of course have phone and e-mail, which everyone knows how to use, so we focused on using Defense Collaboration Services chat and Land Mobile Radio as backup.”

Per U.S. Forces, Japan instruction, there are 10 levels of TCCOR: storm watch, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 1-Caution, 1-Emergency, 1-Recovery and all clear. Okinawa remains at TCCOR 4 during typhoon season, which means destructive winds are possible within 72 hours.

"The TCCOR authority on Okinawa is Kadena Airbase,” said Emory. “They distribute the TCCOR set by USFJ to the Army, Navy and the Marines.”

To ensure you family is prepared, check out http://www.kadena.af.mil/library/typhoons/index.asp and to stay informed on updates go to the Marine Corps Installations Pacific/Installation Emergency Management page on Facebook.

• Date Taken: 04.21.2016
• Date Posted: 04.21.2016 02:27
• Story ID: 196008
• Location: CAMP BUTLER, OKINAWA, JP