Photo By Staff Sgt. Shelby Pruitt-Johnson | Sentinel Watch participants pose for a photo at the National Coordination for Disaster...... read more read more
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Joint Task Force-Bravo’s Sentinel Watch exercise was hosted by the National Coordination for Disaster Reduction (CONRED) to improve the capacity of U.S. and partner nation forces’ natural disaster response at its National Emergency Operations Center in Guatemala City, Guatemala, Aug. 21-22, 2024.
Sentinel Watch is a two-day, scenario-based tabletop exercise that integrates Central American emergency response agencies and Joint Task Force-Bravo personnel to build upon contingency plans, connect subject matter experts and practice a collective approach to disaster response.
Opening remarks for the exercise were delivered by Dr. Claudinne Ogaldes Cruz, Executive Secretary of CONRED.
“At SE-CONRED (Executive Secretariat of CONRED), we aim to build resilience in Guatemala with the support of strategic partners,” said Ogaldes. “I extend my gratitude to JTF-Bravo for their cooperation, which has been instrumental in enhancing our emergency response capabilities and international humanitarian aid processes in times of disaster.”
The exercise’s first day educated participants on each nation’s capabilities and operations and included a tour of the CONRED facilities.
JTF-Bravo personnel briefed on unique capabilities, such as the U.S. Southern Command’s Situational Assessment Team, Army Forces Battalion’s expeditionary medical care, 1st Battalion, 228th Aviation Regiment’s air assets and 612th Air Base Squadron’s Fire Emergency Services. These capabilities are ready to assist partner nations with humanitarian aid and disaster response upon request.
The Regional Civil Military Affairs Coordinator for U.S. Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance and Joint Task Force-Bravo’s liaison, Katharina Lauer, also briefed on procedures and abilities for U.S. foreign disaster assistance, as the lead U.S. federal agency.
The second day of the exercise was the scenario-based portion based on Guatemala’s most devastating earthquake back in 1976 which was 7.5 in magnitude and a volcano eruption since Guatemala is one of the highest-ranked areas for geological hazards. Geological hazards include volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and mudslides or landslides.
According to CONRED, almost 200 municipalities within Guatemala are at high or extremely high risk for significant impacts due to natural disasters.
“Simulating historical events offers a tangible connection to the past, stirring the passion of representatives who may have faced these challenges directly or indirectly,” said U.S. Army Capt. Adriel Moran, JTF-Bravo’s J9, Civil Military Affairs, and Sentinel Watch’s Officer in Charge. “This approach also underscores the importance of learning from history to maximize the preservation of life in the future.”
CONRED practiced an evacuation drill by clearing the building, going over reporting procedures and engineer assessments.
Then, participants divided into groups to tackle three separate training objectives to facilitate open discussions and the development of disaster response plans.
The training objectives focused on the aftermath of the scenario’s earthquake and volcanic eruption from obstructed roadways, overwhelmed hospitals, collapsed buildings, stranded personnel, large wildfires, power outages, landslides and loss of communications.
Over 90 participants attended this iteration of Sentinel Watch, which was three times more than the last iteration in Guatemala.
Since 2021, Sentinel Watch has been hosted by JTF-Bravo annually in six countries, strengthening relationships throughout the CENTAM region.
“In addition to being a great exercise for sharing knowledge and experiences, Sentinel Watch provides a space to develop personal and professional friendships that endure and benefit the preparation and readiness of all the participating organizations,” said Iris Eidem, JTF-Bravo’s J9, Civil Military Affairs Specialist.
The collaboration between JTF-Bravo and the attending partner nation’s emergency services agencies is crucial for a rapid and effective response to a natural disaster.
| Date Taken: | 08.27.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 09.24.2024 12:20 |
| Story ID: | 479800 |
| Location: | GUATEMALA CITY, GT |
| Web Views: | 42 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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