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AT/FP exercise tests Depot response

9 May 2003 | Cpl. Amanda Harris and LCpl. Jennifer Brofer

Looking around the base today, it would be hard to tell that just last week there was a bus crash, chemical spill, increased security measures and a few terrorists on the loose as part of the annual Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection exercise April 29-May 1. But a quick talk with anyone involved in the exercise and it's easy to understand that what went on was anything but just another week at work for the Depot.During the three-day exercise, the Depot's capability to analyze intelligence, apply concepts and procedures outlined in the Depot's AT/FP plan and conduct response/recovery operations in the event of a damaging terrorist attack were put to the test.Here are the roles that some personnel played:Provost Marshall's OfficeAside from their regular duties, Military Policemen implemented check points for vehicle inspections, increased personnel at the main gate for 100 percent identification checks, initiated boat patrols and sent out "working dog patrols" in an effort to apprehend three wanted "terrorists." More than two-dozen personnel arrived on the scene, providing security to the area and helping to evacuate casualties as fast as possible, all while donning chemical suits. "This year's exercise was a lot more realistic and detailed than last year," said Staff Sgt. Timothy Warren, platoon sergeant, PMO. "There were more casualties involved with the bio-chemical attack, rather than the "bomb" like last year, and it made it necessary for the MPs to work in the chem suits."Boat PatrolAlso increasing the amount of protection around the island was the WFTBn. Boat Patrol who added a second and third boat to the waters surrounding Parris Island. The boats were captained by a coxswain and a military policeman who were on the lookout for the exercise's suspected 'terrorists' and any threat they might pose.After floating around for a few hours, Sgt. Harold Matos, coxswain, and Cpl. Jordan Jacoby, military policeman, spotted one of the suspected terrorists on the pier near the Lyceum and radioed in to the PMO Headquarters who then dispatched an MP to apprehend the 'terrorist.'PIFDWorking closely alongside PMO was the Parris Island Fire Department. "We responded quickly to each disaster situation, providing a command staff to supervise emergency operations," said Chief Kelvin Canaday, PIFD fire chief. The PIFD also was in charge of rescuing "victims" of an "accident" between a bus and pick-up truck, and they even went so far as to use the "jaws of life" in order to reach the accident victim in a totaled truck. After the 'chemical attack' at the Peatross Parade Deck, the PIFD helped decontaminate the "victims." "We all put our heads together to form a unified command and were able to help keep the situations under control," said Canaday. Search and RescueMarine Corps Air Station Beaufort sent their Search and Rescue team to evacuate badly injured victims for the exercise. Flying in was Angel 1 and her crew of Maj. Billy Schuck, pilot, Capt. John Neuman co-pilot, Gunnery Sgt. Ray David, crew chief, Gunnery Sgt. Mike Montgomery, rescue swimmer, and Petty Officer 2nd Class Paul Mauricio, corpsman. Besides evacuating injured personnel, Angel 1's crew also practiced landing at different locations on Parris Island to familiarize themselves with the Depot and work out any kinks in preparation for a real-life mission.Naval Hospital/Branch Medical ClinicPersonnel from Naval Hospital Beaufort worked with the Branch Medical Clinic to transport the injured "victims" by ambulance, determine the severity of their injuries, and treat the patients in separate stations at the hospital based on their "triage status." The exercise was educational for hospital staff, who rarely get to experience training like this, said Lt. j.g. Eugene Osborn, command emergency manager, NHB."It made them aware of what could happen in an emergency situation, where they should be and what their role in the hospital is," said Osborn.As the exercise drew to a close and things, including traffic, returned to normal aboard the Depot, everyone involved walked away with a smile knowing that they had just made the island a little safer and a better prepared to handle whatever happens.
Marine Corps News
Marine Corps Training and Education Command