Photo By Lance Cpl. Zachary Larsen | U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. William Bowers, commanding general of Marine Corps...... read more read more
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CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan -- Constant Vigilance 2020 is an annual exercise conducted to test consequence management and emergency response capabilities, held by Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, Sept. 22-25 on bases across Okinawa, Japan.
The main participants of the exercise were Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Provost Marshal Office, Fire and Emergency Services, and the individual camp Security Augmentation Force. The three day exercise consisting of five events demonstrated the MCIPAC joint-effort capabilities in anti-terrorism and emergency management plans.
“Constant vigilance means staying trained, ready and aware of your surroundings,” said U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. William Bowers, commanding general of Marine Corps Installation Pacific, Marine Corps Base Smedley D. Butler. “I think the exercise is going very well, and it has given us the ability to expand the range of responses, in which our Marines must stay ready for.”
The exercise consisted of Camp Kinser and Camp Courtney executing a fire drill scenario, Camp Schwab and Camp Hansen conducting an active shooter scenario and Camp Foster demonstrated a suspicious package scenario.
“The exercise is a reminder that we need to be prepared and vigilant in case of any disaster that comes our way,” said Troy Whitehurtst the MCIPAC, MCB Camp Butler antiterrorism officer. “We have to march forward and give Marines and first responders the opportunity to continue training.”
Due to the current COVID-19 environment, the annual installation protection exercise was modified to align with the current restrictions.
“The command’s decision to continue training ensures that the Marines maintain proper security and safety for all of the personnel on base,” said Whitehurst. “Executing the operation gives the camp commanders and the general the opportunity to make decisions based on how the scenario developed.”
The event combined the efforts of multiple organizations working together to attack a simulated problem using strong communication and oversight.
“It’s a team effort,” said Bowers. “The Western Pacific is a cohesive Naval Expeditionary Force. We must stay ready and focused.”
| Date Taken: | 09.25.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 10.13.2020 04:10 |
| Story ID: | 378662 |
| Location: | CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 74 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
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