BANGKOK, Thailand, - Members of the Washington National Guard's State Partnership Program joined personnel from the ports of Bangkok and Laem Chabang, Thailand for full-scale exercises on Sept. 15-16.
Simulated port explosions, chemical spills, public health dangers, and personnel deaths and injuries were used to test and evaluate the coordinated response within the Incident Command System (ICS).
ICS is an organized approach that enables a coordinated response among jurisdictions during emergencies - it directs operations, logistics, public information and safety under the command and control of an incident commander.
About 12 Washington Air and Army Guard members and five civilians participating in the State Partnership Program were present in Thailand to share best practices and help build capacity.
"Many emergencies at a local port have a national affect," said Air Force Maj. Gen. Timothy J. Lowenberg, the adjutant general of the Washington National Guard. "This exercise is a true milestone because of the coordination between the two ports. Preparedness for disaster is a responsibility that each of us share."
Ports in both Washington State and Thailand play an important role in the economies and influence of international relationships. The Port of Tacoma handles over 18 million tons of cargo and has more than $36 billion of commerce each year.
In this capacity, it also serves as the initial entrance port of many of the 300,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) that are exported from Port Leam Chabang to the United States each year.
Marty Kapsh, a Port Officer/Security for the Port of Tacoma, has participated with the Washington's SPP for more than three years and has shared information based on his experience with emergency response from the Port of Tacoma.
"As emergency responders it does not matter what type of uniform we may wear. Our objectives should always be the safety of responders and the safety of those we are helping by mitigating and responding to the emergency," said Kapsh.
Since March 27, 2002, the Washington National Guard has participated in a partnership with the Kingdom of Thailand which has involved seven port exercises consisting of various agencies; the National Security Council, Royal Thai Army, Royal Thai Navy, Royal Thai Marine Department and civilian authorities including, emergency management, disaster planning, port security, HAZMAT/WMD response initiatives and airport security.
This exercise was multi-jurisdictional and involved security, medical, HAZMAT and public affairs. Each section worked to accomplish their responsibilities in a safe, efficient and timely manner. The public affairs team was a key piece of the exercise. The PA team distributed press releases, advised the incident commander on working with the community and held news conferences to update the public.
To make the exercise as real as possible local media was invited to participate. A news conference was hosted by Chalermchai Meekum-lam, newly appointed Port Authority of Thailand Director. He emphasized the importance of continuous planning, training and the necessity of keeping the public informed.
Follow-up exercises later took place at the Airport of Thailand. Emergencies dealing with airplane crashes, fires and chemical releases were simulated during a basic hazmat Response Seminar held Sept. 20-24.
Guard members exchanged ideas with Royal Thai Military, civilian HAZMAT personnel. Emergency responders also practiced the donning of safety gear.
As the relationship between the Washington National Guard and our Thai partners grows stronger, so does our mutual capability and capacity to respond to natural or man-made disasters.