Sailors attached to Submarine Group 7 and the Indonesian navy (TNI-AL) participated in training for Simulated Submarine Casualty Exercise (SMASHEX) in Surabaya, Indonesia, April 13.

SMASHEX is a table top exercise that tests the procedure for the very unlikely case of a submarine search, escape and rescue event.

Although the exercise involved no real units, it gave the participating parties insight on the measures and actions necessary in the unlikely event that a submarine finds itself in a distressed state.

Several external organizations also participated in the event, including the International Submarine Escape and Rescue Liaison Office (ISMERLO) and the U.S. Navy Undersea Rescue Command (URC).

The primary focus of the SMASHEX was the actual steps taken to mobilize for a rescue. Responders coordinated which platforms would be available and the estimated time to first rescue through the ISMERLO website.

Within minutes of the alert, responders were offering assistance and preparing a plan for rescue.