In preparation for the upcoming storm season, the two-day exercise simulated a disaster situation.
The table top exercise stemmed from USAID’s Disaster Management Conference in April, which brought together U.S. and FSM disaster response entities to discuss effective bilateral strategies and procedures.
Event participants included USAID, U.S. Joint Task Force — Homeland Defense, Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Embassy in Pohnpei, U.S. Small Business Administration, FSM Office of Emergency and Environment Management, FSM Department of Foreign Affairs, FSM Department of Health and Social Services, State Disaster Coordinators, the International Organization for Migration, World Health Organization, United Nations and other observers.
U.S. Joint Task Force Homeland Defense Deputy Commanding Gen. Joseph J. Chaves described disaster management as a “continuous process of improvement,” as he encouraged table top participants to view the exercise as the beginning, not the end, of their disaster management efforts.
