KUCHING, Malaysia – Malaysian civilian and military government agencies conducted a field training exercise (FTX) with Pacific Partnership 2019 (PP19) participants in Kuching, April 7.

The Malaysian-led evolution simulated a natural disaster relevant to the area.

“The goal is to rehearse their disaster response capabilities during flooding,” said U.S. Army Capt. Gil Quinto. “It’s also an opportunity for us to learn from the Malaysians and work with them in order to increase our interoperability in case there is a disaster emergency here in the Indo-Pacific.”

U.S. military personnel supported medical assessments and triage as well as evacuation protocols and boat operations.

“It’s cool to get to work around the different agencies,” said Siri Nur Afiqah Mohamed Musthafa, the Malaysian National Disaster Management Agency Community Division Assistant Director. “This is the opportunity to learn details on any differences and similarities between the U.S. military and Malaysian side that could possibly mix to make a better combination.”

Approximately 100 simulated casualties were rescued during the riverside operation. Civilians volunteered their time, role-playing as survivors and injured so that other participants could refine their emergency response techniques in the event of future crises.

“I’m hoping this exercise helps our U.S. counterparts learn the structure of the Malaysian side of disaster management,” said Musthafa. “So that if anything happens they know which channels to take to supply assistance.”

Pacific Partnership, now in its 14th iteration, is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Each year, the mission team works collectively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase stability and security in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships across the Indo-Pacific.