Exercise Makani Pahili 09 Tests Interagency Hurricane Preparedness
What is it'
Exercise Makani Pahili (MP), which translates into "strong wind" is an interagency exercise designed to test the plans and procedures for synchronized recovery efforts among all levels of government and private sector organizations. It is designed to enhance Pacific region disaster management authorities' response to any hurricane.
What has the Army done'
U.S. Army, Pacific (USARPAC), as the executive agent for the U.S. Pacific Command's Joint Task Force Homeland Defense (JTF-HD), used MP09 to emphasize DSCA operations and mission assignment (MAs) processes of request, receipt and resource of MAs and knowledge management and information sharing processes and tools.
JTF-HD's mission is to help Hawaii and other mid-Pacific island communities prepare for and recover from hurricanes and other major disasters.
The state of Hawaii and FEMA exercised the Catastrophic Hurricane Response and Recovery Plan for the state of Hawaii during MP09.
The exercise spanned three days, June 2 -June 4 and covered pre- and post-landfall. It included more than 40 organizations, units and interagency partners. It showcased the capabilities of all these agencies providing expertise in medical response, air evacuation and communications.
Of note, as part of this exercise the Deployable Assessment Team (DAT) deployed to the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai as part of the exercise. The DAT can provide an assessment of a disaster relief/humanitarian assistance type scenario in any austere environment, especially important for USARPAC's role as the lead element for JTF-HD.
The DAT is one part of USARPAC's newest element, the Contingency Command Post. The CCP has taken the place of the Operational Command Post as USARPAC becomes leaner and capable of going anywhere in the theater with a trained and ready force.
Why is this important to the Army'
Natural disasters are a real threat. Exercising cooperation and coordination between DoD and our interagency partners to conduct defense support to civil authorities operations is essential for our nation. Preparing now can limit the severity of a natural disaster and save lives.
U.S. Army, Pacific is the executive agent for the U.S. Pacific Command's JTF-HD, whose mission is to help Hawaii and other mid-Pacific island communities prepare for and recover from hurricanes and other major disasters.
Resources:
<a href="http://www.usarpac.army.mil" target="_blank">USARPAC</a>
Related article: <a href="http://www.army.mil/-news/2009/06/01/21967-hurricane-preparedness-exercise-deployment-assessment-team" target="_blank">Hurricane Preparedness Exercise Deployment Assessment Team</a>
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