Yokota hercs move NEO exercise participants

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kimberly Spinner
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  Members of the 374th Airlift Wing provided airlift, processing and billeting for 50 noncombatants May 15 during Courageous Channel 09-01, a semi-annual noncombatant evacuation operations or NEO, exercise.

Yokota's participation in the exercise began when a C-130 aircrew flew to Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, picked up the noncombatants and returned to Yokota. From there, the participants were processed and billeted. In a real-world scenario, the noncombatants would continue their journey to stateside locations.

"The exercise gave Yokota members the opportunity to stand up their NEO center in preparation for the upcoming Operational Readiness Inspection," said Maj. Mark Andrews, 36th Airlift Squadron pilot.

The exercise tested the command's NEO plans and procedures for a short-notice evacuation of non-combatants from the Republic of Korea. The exercise targeted families of U. S. Forces Korea active-duty members, Department of Defense civilians and contractors. Reasons for evacuation are war, political or civil instability and natural disaster.

"Courageous Channel 09-01 is an opportunity for family members and non-emergency essential DoD civilians to familiarize themselves with the NEO process and ensure they and their family are prepared in case of an emergency." said LTG Joseph Fil, U.S. Forces Korea Chief of Staff, in a press release.

Once the families arrived at Yokota, they were transported to Yokota's noncombatant reception control center where their identification bracelets were scanned. The identification information on the bracelets allowed the center to have accountability of all members throughout the process.

According to Tech. Sgt. Jeimmy Bermudez, NEO non commissioned officer-in-charge, the processing went smoothly and everyone worked well as a team.

Families processed through the "line" and had their folders inspected as well as familiarized themselves with the NEO process. They had the chance to ask questions pertaining to the NEO. At the same time, military members recently appointed as NEO wardens were trained on evacuation procedures.

"It is important for everyone to be prepared to execute a NEO should that ever be required," said General Fil.