The Source for Navy News
First Gulf Region Disaster Preparedness Conference Held in Bahrain
Story Number: NNS041006-03
Release Date: 10/6/2004 9:08:00 AM
By Journalist 2nd Class Jason Trevett, U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs
MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- The Gulf Region’s first Disaster Response Preparedness
Conference and Medical Workshop was held at the Bahrain Sheraton Hotel Sept. 26-29.
The conference was designed to present and implement a five-year proposal for a disaster preparedness program that supports regional stability and security objectives of the Gulf Cooperative Council states, including Egypt and Jordan.
Bahrain Defense Force Chief of Staff, Maj. Gen. Mohammed Bin Abdullah Al-Khalifa’s opening remarks set the tone for the conference.
“By your respectable contribution, today we can prevent the threat of environmental disorder within our region, which is a vital interest of strategic importance to our region and entire world,” said Abdullah Al-Khalifa. “Your input in this important event boosts further progression of cooperation among our military forces, as we coordinate our joint capabilities to deter the threat of weapons of mass destruction and threats to the environment.”
While the threat of weapons of mass destruction is serious, it is not the sole threat facing forces and populations in this area of responsibility, according to Rear Adm. Robert T. Moeller, J5 director for plans and policy at U.S. Central Command.
“Petro-chemical plants near urban areas usually process and store tons of toxic chemicals, many of which are unstable and highly dangerous if not carefully controlled. An incident causing mass casualties could occur at any time, whether from terrorist action or an industrial accident,” said Moeller. “Should these attacks or disasters include chemical, biological or radiological components, the disaster preparedness and response challenges would be magnified geometrically.”
The theme of this year’s conference was centered on preparing for and mitigating the effects of natural and man-made disasters.
“There is no doubt that natural and man-made disasters will occur sometime in the future; the question is when and where,” continued Moeller. “Working together, we must strive to develop the most effective tactics, techniques and procedures we can to provide our citizens the level of safety and security they deserve.”
Alex Beehler, assistant deputy under Secretary of Defense for Environment, Safety and Occupational Health, stressed the importance of all countries to continue to work closely together, to develop methodologies necessary to handle disasters.
“We must design doctrine, procedures and capabilities that allow our defense establishments to make a contribution in full coordination with multiple nations,” said Beehler. “I’d say we have our work cut out for us. But, at the same time, I know that the momentum established in 2000 and 2002 is in the correct direction, and that all of us understand the necessity of continuing that momentum here in Manama and beyond, and I know that we have got the right people working on it.”
For related news, visit the Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/ Commander, 5th Fleet Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cusnc.
E-mail this story to a friend | Send a comment about this story
|
All Any Exact |
|
