III MEF gears up for HADR exercise with JSDF

OKINAWA, Japan – III Marine Expeditionary Force will participate in the 03 Remote Island Disaster Exercise (RIDEX), a bilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) exercise, on Ukibaru-Jima Nov. 2, 2021 to develop the readiness of III MEF and the Japan Self-Defense Force response to crisis or contingency in the region.

“We are excited to accept the invitation to participate in RIDEX. Every opportunity to work alongside JSDF improves our shared capabilities,” said Col. Jarrod Stoutenborough, III MEF’s Future Operations Officer. “Participating together in local disaster relief training enhances our rapid response as a team and helps ensure the safety of our neighbors here in Okinawa and in the region.”

Additional participants in RIDEX include the 353rd Special Operations Wing, the U.S. Air Force’s 33rd Rescue Squadron, and the U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa. Participants will be aerially inserted to assist in simulated rescue operations on Ukibaru. Simulated casualties will be extracted to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Osumi-Class JS Kunisaki (LST 4003) anchored offshore, where they will receive medical triage and treatment. Follow-on treatment will occur at an expeditionary triage center on Kadena Airbase, and the exercise will conclude with the patients ambulanced to the U.S Naval Hospital on Camp Foster.

RIDEX will improve U.S. forces and the JSDF’s ability to rapidly coordinate and deploy rescue personnel in support of casualty evacuations from remote locations. The exercise will include approximately 100 U.S. military personnel and 400 Japan Self-Defense Force personnel.

III MEF is ready to respond to any crisis or contingency throughout the region with the entire range of military and civic operations in support of our allies and partners.

For questions regarding this release, please email III Marine Expeditionary Force Communication Strategy and Operations at here.