Gobi Wolf 2024 strengthens partnerships for disaster resilience

By Balinda ONealMay 17, 2024

Experts convene in Choibalsan for academic discussion
1 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Lt. Col. Paul O'Donnell, right, from Australia, responds to exercise participants questions during Gobi Wolf 2024’s Expert Academic Discussion in Choibalsan, Mongolia. The four-day exercise is part of the Pacific Resilience Disaster Response Exercise and Exchange program, which focuses on interagency coordination and foreign humanitarian assistance and is coordinated by the Mongolian National Emergency Management Agency and U.S. Army Pacific. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Balinda O'Neal) (Photo Credit: Balinda ONeal) VIEW ORIGINAL
U.S. Airmen, Mongolian rescuers scale new heights at Gobi Wolf 2024
2 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Frankie Bolaños, left, lowers himself on the line to simulate the rescue of Tech Sgt. Daniel Kolk, both fire contingency instructors with the Pacific Air Force, while demonstrating high-angle rescue techniques during the Field Training Exercise at Gobi Wolf 2024 in Choibalsan, Mongolia, May 9. The teams showcased best practices in safely extracting trapped individuals from precarious situations. Gobi Wolf 24 is part of the Pacific Resilience Disaster Response Exercise and Exchange program, which focuses on interagency coordination and foreign humanitarian assistance and is coordinated by the Mongolian National Emergency Management Agency and U.S. Army Pacific. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Balinda O’Neal) (Photo Credit: Balinda ONeal) VIEW ORIGINAL
Riverine training at Gobi Wolf 2024
3 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Gobi Wolf 2024 exercise participants practice rescue techniques and lifesaving maneuvers during the Field Training Exercise’s riverine operations segment in Choibalsan, Mongolia, May 10. During the exercise local rescue teams worked in coordinating Gobi Wolf 2024 exercise participants practice rescue techniques and lifesaving maneuvers during the Field Training Exercise’s riverine operations segment in Choibalsan, Mongolia, May 10. Local rescue teams collaborated with emergency response agencies, sharing best practices to deliver timely assistance, particularly in scenarios like floods, water accidents, or natural disasters near waterways. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Balinda O’Neal) (Photo Credit: Balinda ONeal) VIEW ORIGINAL
Showcasing triage skills at Gobi Wolf 2024
4 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Utah Air National Guard Maj. Jaime Vergara asks Gobi Wolf 24 participants medical triage questions during the GW24 Medical Challenge as part of the Field Training Exercise’s medical segment in Choibalsan, Mongolia, May 10. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Balinda O’Neal) (Photo Credit: Balinda ONeal) VIEW ORIGINAL
Showcasing triage skills at Gobi Wolf 2024
5 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Alaska Air Guard Col. Roger Ludwig congratulates Exercise Gobi Wolf 24 partipant on showcasing thier exceptional medical triage skills during the GW24 Medical Challenge as part of the Field Training Exercise’s medical segment in Choibalsan, Mongolia, May 10. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Balinda O'Neal) (Photo Credit: Balinda ONeal) VIEW ORIGINAL
Riverine training at Gobi Wolf 2024
6 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Gobi Wolf 2024 exercise participants practice rescue techniques and lifesaving maneuvers during the Field Training Exercise’s riverine operations segment in Choibalsan, Mongolia, May 10. During the exercise local rescue teams worked in coordinating Gobi Wolf 2024 exercise participants practice rescue techniques and lifesaving maneuvers during the Field Training Exercise’s riverine operations segment in Choibalsan, Mongolia, May 10. Local rescue teams collaborated with emergency response agencies, sharing best practices to deliver timely assistance, particularly in scenarios like floods, water accidents, or natural disasters near waterways. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Balinda O’Neal) (Photo Credit: Balinda ONeal) VIEW ORIGINAL
Riverine training at Gobi Wolf 2024
7 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Gobi Wolf 2024 exercise participants practice rescue techniques and lifesaving maneuvers during the Field Training Exercise’s riverine operations segment in Choibalsan, Mongolia, May 10. During the exercise local rescue teams worked in coordinating Gobi Wolf 2024 exercise participants practice rescue techniques and lifesaving maneuvers during the Field Training Exercise’s riverine operations segment in Choibalsan, Mongolia, May 10. Local rescue teams collaborated with emergency response agencies, sharing best practices to deliver timely assistance, particularly in scenarios like floods, water accidents, or natural disasters near waterways. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Balinda O’Neal) (Photo Credit: Balinda ONeal) VIEW ORIGINAL
U.S. Airmen, Mongolian rescuers scale new heights at Gobi Wolf 2024
8 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Mongolian Sgt. Davaakhuu Khishigzaya, left, a rescue personnelist with the local search and rescue unit, simulates the rescue of U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Daniel Kolk, a fire contingency instructor with the Pacific Air Force, while demonstrating high-angle rescue techniques during the Field Training Exercise at Gobi Wolf 2024 in Choibalsan, Mongolia, May 9. The teams showcased best practices in safely extracting trapped individuals from precarious situations. Gobi Wolf 24 is part of the Pacific Resilience Disaster Response Exercise and Exchange program, which focuses on interagency coordination and foreign humanitarian assistance and is coordinated by the Mongolian National Emergency Management Agency and U.S. Army Pacific. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Balinda O’Neal) (Photo Credit: Balinda ONeal) VIEW ORIGINAL
U.S. Airmen, Mongolian rescuers scale new heights at Gobi Wolf 2024
9 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Airman 1st Class Stefany Brummer, a fire protection specialist with the Alaska Air National Guard, operates the backup safety line during the Field Training Exercise’s high-angle rescue techniques training at Gobi Wolf 2024 in Choibalsan, Mongolia, May 9. The teams showcased best practices in safely extracting trapped individuals from precarious

situations. Gobi Wolf 24 is part of the Pacific Resilience Disaster Response Exercise and Exchange program, which focuses on interagency coordination and foreign humanitarian assistance and is coordinated by the Mongolian National Emergency Management Agency and U.S. Army Pacific. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Balinda O'Neal) (Photo Credit: Balinda ONeal)
VIEW ORIGINAL
U.S., Mongolia exchange emergency response strategies during Gobi Wolf
10 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Exercise participants share best practices in search and rescue and firefighting during Gobi Wolf 2024’s Field Training Exercise in Choibalsan, Mongolia, May 8. Gobi Wolf 2024 is a Multilateral Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief engagement between United States Army Pacific, civil and military components of the government of Mongolia, multilateral regional partners, and international humanitarian response organizations and agencies. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Marc Marmeto) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Marc Marmeto) VIEW ORIGINAL
U.S., Mongolia exchange emergency response strategies during Gobi Wolf
11 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Alaska Air National Guard Master Sgt. Michael Knecht, and assistant chief with the 176th Wing’s Fire Emergency Services, shares best practices in search and rescue and firefighting during Gobi Wolf 2024’s Field Training Exercise in Choibalsan, Mongolia. The four-day exercise is part of the Pacific Resilience Disaster Response Exercise and Exchange program, which focuses on interagency coordination and foreign humanitarian assistance and is coordinated by the Mongolian National Emergency Management Agency and U.S. Army Pacific. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Marc Marmeto) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Marc Marmeto) VIEW ORIGINAL
Experts convene in Choibalsan for academic discussion
12 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Brigadier General Thushara Harasgama, from Sri Lanka, asks questions to a panel of subject matter experts during Gobi Wolf 2024’s Expert Academic Discussion in Choibalsan, Mongolia. The four-day exercise is part of the Pacific Resilience Disaster Response Exercise and Exchange program, which focuses on interagency coordination and foreign humanitarian assistance and is coordinated by the Mongolian National Emergency Management Agency and U.S. Army Pacific. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Balinda O'Neal) (Photo Credit: Balinda ONeal) VIEW ORIGINAL
Experts convene in Choibalsan for academic discussion
13 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Deputy Director of the Mongolian National Emergency Management Agency Brig. Gen. B. Uuganbayar responds to exercise participants questions during Gobi Wolf 2024’s Expert Academic Discussion in Choibalsan, Mongolia. The four-day exercise is part of the Pacific Resilience Disaster Response Exercise and Exchange program, which focuses on interagency coordination and foreign humanitarian assistance and is coordinated by the Mongolian National Emergency Management Agency and U.S. Army Pacific. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Balinda O'Neal) (Photo Credit: Balinda ONeal) VIEW ORIGINAL
Honoring global partnership in Mongolia
14 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Maj. Marl Pasibe, the Gobi Wolf 2024 exercise director with U.S. Army Pacific, acknowledges all the support staff who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make the exercise a resounding success during his closing ceremony speech at the Governor’s Palace in Choibalsan, Mongolia, May 10, 2024. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Balinda O’Neal) (Photo Credit: Balinda ONeal) VIEW ORIGINAL
Honoring global partnership in Mongolia
15 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – More than 350 individuals representing 14 countries, including military, law enforcement agencies, ministries, and international humanitarian organizations join for the Gobi Wolf 2024 Closing Ceremony at the Governor’s Palace in Choibalsan, Mongolia, May 10, 2024. Exercise participants from Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, France, India, Maldives, Nepal, Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and the United States, joined Mongolia in the collaborative effort. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Balinda O’Neal) (Photo Credit: Balinda ONeal) VIEW ORIGINAL
Honoring global partnership in Mongolia
16 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Exercise Gobi Wolf 2024 Director with U.S. Army Pacific Maj. Marl Pasibe, left, and Deputy Director of the Mongolian National Emergency Management Agency Gen. B. Uuganbayar express gratitude while embracing on stage during the during the closing ceremony at the Governor’s Palace in Choibalsan, Mongolia, May 10, 2024. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Balinda O’Neal) (Photo Credit: Balinda ONeal) VIEW ORIGINAL
Honoring global partnership in Mongolia
17 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Governor of Dornod Province M. Badamsuren, right, presents Ms. Fazeela Jaufaru, with the Maldives, tokens of appreciation for his invaluable contributions and dedication to Exercise Gobi Wolf 2024 during the closing ceremony at the Governor’s Palace in Choibalsan, Mongolia, May 10, 2024. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Balinda O’Neal) (Photo Credit: Balinda ONeal) VIEW ORIGINAL
Honoring global partnership in Mongolia
18 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Gen. B. Uuganbayar, deputy director of the Mongolian National Emergency Management Agency, right, presents Sgt. 1st Class Chia Chen, a contract specialist with U.S. Army Contracting Command, with tokens of appreciation for his invaluable contributions and dedication to Exercise Gobi Wolf 2024 during the closing ceremony at the Governor’s Palace in Choibalsan, Mongolia, May 10, 2024. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Balinda O’Neal) (Photo Credit: Balinda ONeal) VIEW ORIGINAL
Honoring global partnership in Mongolia
19 / 19 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Gobi Wolf 2024 exercise director with U.S. Army Pacific Maj. Marl Pasibe, left, and Republic of Korea Col. Sa InWoo express gratitude while embracing on stage during the during the closing ceremony at the Governor’s Palace in Choibalsan, Mongolia, May 10, 2024. (U.S. Army photo by Capt. Balinda O’Neal) (Photo Credit: Balinda ONeal) VIEW ORIGINAL

CHOIBALSAN, Mongolia — Exercise Gobi Wolf 2024 culminated with resounding success during a Closing Ceremony held in Choibalsan, Mongolia, May 10, marking another significant stride in disaster preparedness and global collaboration.

Co-organized by the Mongolian National Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Army Pacific, this year's exercise exemplified the spirit of partnership and shared commitment to fortifying resilience against disasters worldwide.

Highlighting this aspect, Tech. Sgt. Francisco Bolaños, a firefighter with the Pacific Air Forces, said that the most fulfilling aspect of his job is the opportunity to travel to other countries, meet fellow professionals, exchange skills, and learn from different cultures.

“It’s that gratification of just being able to share with people that have the same goal in mind,” said Bolaños, who completed his second Gobi Wolf and third Disaster Response Exercise and Exchange. “Once you break through that cultural barrier, the humor is the same, the skills are the same, and as far as the nature of the business, everyone's just hungry to help people.”

Bolaños said that he was able to apply his skills and experiences gained from Gobi Wolf 2022 to the 2024 exercise. During the planning phase, he provided feedback, allowing the planning team to anticipate challenges and ensure a smoother operation. Furthermore, NEMA’s enhancement in their capabilities helped improve the exercise.

“We set out a goal to translate this year's Gobi Wolf content, utilizing our own personnel, and I see that it has been a success in that regard,” said Brig. Gen. B. Uuganbayar, deputy director for the Mongolian NEMA, who also complimented the overall success of the four-day exercise. “Gobi Wolf is an important initiative that expands the capacities of our personnel, increases our security against disasters, and builds upon our partnerships and alliances.”

This year's exercise encompassed a myriad of training including an Expert Academic Discussion, Table Top Exercise and Field Training Exercise, delving into various facets of disaster response. Topics ranged from earthquake response and firefighting to hazmat management, field hospitals, and swift water rescue.

Additionally, Uuganbayar said that academic discussions provided insights into Mongolia's disaster protection system, emergency operations protocols, incident command structures, and coordination of international humanitarian aid efforts.

The exercise drew participation from 12 countries, including Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, France, India, Republic of Korea, Maldives, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam. The collective expertise of more than 350 participants from government agencies, ministries, disaster protection services, military, law enforcement, and international humanitarian organizations underscored the exercise's global significance.

Bolaños noted that although participants initially exhibited some shyness, it quickly dissipated as the exercise gained momentum. The atmosphere transformed as the sounds of quiet exchanges turned into a wail of sirens and voices exchanging crucial information all in a coordinated chaos, culminating in shared laughter and camaraderie.

As Exercise Gobi Wolf 2024 concluded, participants departed with enriched knowledge, strengthened partnerships, and a renewed dedication to safeguarding communities against the ever-present threat of natural disasters.