Base, government officials conduct emergency management exercise

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Matt Summers
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  More than 100 representatives from Yokota Air Base, the North Kanto Defense Bureau and the city governments of Tokyo and Fussa, conducted their first-ever table-top exercise June 16 to plan a coordinated response to a major aircraft accident in the local area.

The exercise, based on a simulated U.S. Forces Japan aircraft accident in the nearby city of Fussa, brought together not only government and city planners, but representatives of first response units such as the base, Fussa and Tokyo fire and police departments. Representatives took turns briefing the group on their respective agency's plans to respond to a major accident involving loss of life and property.

"We hope that a tragedy such as what we walked through today never occurs, but exercises like this ensure that we are prepared should the time come," said Col. Rafael Quezada, 374th Mission Support Group commander.

Although support agreements between the base and local agencies for services such as fire, security and medical support have been established for several years, the exercise marked a milestone of cooperation, according to Takao Hara, NKDB Facilities Management Department director.

"I fully understand that all of you from each organization are prepared for mishaps; however, the important thing is how well we can work on bilateral coordination and cooperation in case of emergency," he said. "It is important to make progress by gathering in one location and discussing each other's action through this table-top exercise."

Masuo Tanaka, Fussa Planning and Financing Department director, said while Fussa citizens are constantly aware of the possibility of an aircraft accident, exercises such as this can create confidence in the government's ability to respond to an accident.

"Checking the notification network and response of each organization through simulating an accident will make our response better and more appropriate," he said.

Colonel Frank Eppich, the 374th Airlift Wing vice commander, said culture and language differences can sometimes be barriers to problem solving and the exercise provided a valuable opportunity to learn from counterparts.

"We will use today's event to learn from your experiences and capabilities and hope that you can gain a better understanding of our policies and procedures," said Colonel Eppich.

Japanese Ministry of Defense's policies changed dramatically when the department underwent a major reorganization in September 2007. The NKDB was one of eight regional defense bureaus created "to strengthen cooperative relations with local communities," according to the MOD's Web site. The bureaus are tasked with explaining MOD actions and issues related to the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan to local communities.

The NKDB coordinates the activities of seven defense offices, including the Yokota Defense Office in Fussa. The office acts as a link between the local communities around the air base and the MOD.