Members of the Hawaii National Guard and Charlie Company of the 448th Civil Affairs Battalion trained in tandem with Philippine soldiers during a recent disaster training exercise on Calayan Island, Philippines.
Titled Exercise Balikatan 2017, the simulation sharpened lifesaving skills for active duty and reserve service personnel. Local first responders such as the Calayan fire department — and even civilian volunteers — joined in the training event, which included a replicated medical evacuation in the operation’s culminating exercise and focused on both humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
“Everyone did excellent,” U.S. Army Capt. Rob McQueen, who serves as civil affairs officer for the 448th Civil Affairs Battalion, said in a press release. “(They’ve) worked hard for the last two weeks in three locations in the country.”
Participants from diverse backgrounds and fields developed a rapport, a distinct advantage in any emergency situation, according to a press release. Side by side, soldiers and civilians duplicated a helicopter rescue and triage for 20 “injured” individuals.
“This is my first mission with the Philippine army, and it has been great,” Army Sgt. 1st Class Courtney Lindsay of the Hawaii Guard said.
Lindsay noted that developing friendships, working in unison and sharing resources was especially valuable.
“Since we’ve touched down, they’ve been very kind and generous. I (envision) our relationship getting stronger,” Lindsay said.
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