NMCB 4 Seabees Assist in FAA Aircraft Disaster Exercise

Courtesy Photo | 190822-N-ZS724-1112 MAJURO ATOLL, Marshall Islands (Aug. 22, 2019), Construction Electrician 2nd Class Billings Amoah, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4, prepares to carry a civilian with a simulated injury with the help of local fire fighter during a Plane Crash Training Exercise at Majuro Airport. NMCB 4 is forward-deployed throughout the Indo-Pacific region ready to support major combat operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and to provide general engineering and civil support to U.S. and joint forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Builder 3rd Class Heith Wright/Released)  

MARSHALL ISLANDS

08.22.2019

Courtesy Story

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4

MAJURO ATOLL, Marshall Islands - U.S. Navy Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4, took part in a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airfield emergency preparedness exercise at Amata Kabua International Airport along with local police, fire and medical services, Aug. 22.
The exercise is a certification requirement that tests airfield disaster preparedness and response by simulating an aircraft emergency disaster. The time and scenario were unknown until the exercise began, further testing unit response. The exercise tests and evaluates the operational capacity of the emergency response teams in a stressful environment.
Approximately 150 people, including the simulated crash victims and Seabees, participated in the exercise. The exercise simulated mid-size commercial airliner with eighty-seven passengers and nine crew members declaring an inflight emergency and crashing on the runway.
Seabees, acting as first responders, assisted local airfield, police, medical and fire crews at the crash site. The Seabees identified the extent to which the passengers were injured and prioritized the movement of the injured to the hospital for treatment.
Majuro Police Officers, Medical Personnel, and even local civilians were at the scene of the accident within the hour, helping to aid and escort patients to the hospital.
Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Martin Garcia and Builder 1st Class Corey Roberts were a part of the Seabee Detail assigned to aid at the hospital during the exercise.
“The doctors and nurses on call at the hospital were able to treat every patient within a timely manner and handle things calmly and collectively,” Garcia said.
The exercise was extremely valuable to the local government and the emergency services.
“It is really heartwarming to see an entire community get involved when something this severe happens. I am really happy to be a part of it,” said Builder 3rd Class Martinez.
Through the exercise, the Majuro Government and local population were able to work side by side with the Seabees to strengthen the relationship between the people of the Marshall Islands and the U.S. Navy. The cooperation between Seabees and the Host Nation is critical for building lasting relationships.
NMCB 4 is forward-deployed throughout the Indo-Pacific region ready to support major combat operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and to provide general engineering and civil support to U.S. and joint forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Builder 3rd Class Heith Wright/Released)

• Date Taken: 08.22.2019
• Date Posted: 09.12.2019 01:02
• Story ID: 339439
• Location: MH