Evacuation exercise kicks off ORI

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Gustavo Gonzalez
  • 8th Fighter WIng Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Airmen from the 8th Fighter Wing entered the final stretch toward April's Operational Readiness Inspection when the Non-combatant Evacuation Operation inspection kicked off, March 6. 

Twenty United States citizens and five third country nationals simulated evacuating during the two day inspection. Members of the Pacific Air Forces Inspector General were on hand to evaluate Kunsan's performance during the NEO process. 

"This part of the ORI demonstrates our 8th Fighter Wing's capabilities to evacuate all non-combatants from harms way." said Tech. Sgt. Shana Stewart, 8th Force Support Squadron. 

A NEO is ordered when the Department of State determines there is a danger to American lives in the Republic of Korea. They retreat non-combatants from all six ROK areas, in this case Area VI which consist of Kunsan and Kwangju, to a safe haven and prepare them for departure on to the states. 

According to Sergeant Stewart, practicing the evacuation process is an important step in an event of a war, civil unrest or a natural disaster. 

"It's the same as when we actually practice war," said Sergeant Stewart. "The location that we are in, we never know when things will actually happen. So we should practice this to make sure that our family members and loved ones get out of harm's way." 

Every squadron has a NEO warden who is responsible for civilians in every unit to include 8th Comptroller Squadron, 8th Security Forces Squadron, 8th Medical Group, 8th Communications Squadron, 8th Civil Engineer Squadron, 8th Force Support Squadron, 8th Logistic Support Squadron and the Staff Judge Advocate's Office. They help prepare all of the civilians with the proper paperwork they need to have in order to evacuate once the NEO is activated. 

"If we are ever in a situation where we need to evacuate our non-combatants I'm actually recalled," said Sergeant Karel, 8th MDG and NEO warden for the group. "I report to the designated area for all the non-combatants to report and that is the gym. I'm here to assist and get them out." 

Sergeant Stewart also believes civilians at Kunsan should always be prepared for an evacuation at all times. 

"What you should do is put together a package that has all pertinent and important documents," she said. "You should also pack a back with food, water, clothing in the event that you do have to actually evacuate quickly." 

There was no official grade for this particular inspection as this inspection was a precursor to the ORI. According to Sergeant Stewart, everyone involved in the inspection did their part in insuring things ran smoothly during the inspection. 

"I would like to reiterate how proud and thankful I am for all the effort everyone put forth to make the Kunsan's NEO process appear flawless to the PACAF IG," said Sergeant Stewart. "Hopefully, your hard work will show on the final report from the PACAF IG with the grade the 8th Fighter Wing deserves."