DLA Indo-Pacific exercises emergency evacuation readiness

Defense Logistics Agency employees and their families stationed in the South Korea participated in Courageous Channel 25, a peninsula-wide noncombatant evacuation operation exercise last month.

The annual exercise, led by U.S. Forces Korea, validates the readiness and accountability procedures for all non-combatants in the region, ensuring the community is prepared for a potential no-notice evacuation.

For DLA Indo-Pacific Forward, the exercise, held Dec. 1-5, was an opportunity to test internal processes, confirm the accuracy of evacuee packets and rehearse command-level reporting.

During the exercise, DLA teams verified NEO packets for their employees, ensuring all evacuee documents were accurate and complete. Teams ensured sponsors and their dependents were properly registered in critical accountability systems like the Army Disaster Personnel Accountability and Assessment System.

DLA's designated NEO wardens worked across the peninsula to account for all DLA employees. Key leaders in this effort included Army Sgt. 1st Class Irene Plancarte-Barrett and Army Maj. Friday Ameh in Area III, and Tommay Lockridge in Area IV.

"For the first time, we successfully processed and validated 100% of our personnel and their families' packets," said Plancarte-Barrett, DLA Indo-Pacific Forward plans and operations non-commissioned officer. "Achieving full accountability, including for leaders like Col. Dennis Han, the DLA Indo-Pacific Military Deputy Commander, marks a significant milestone for our NEO readiness."

The exercise moves NEO from an abstract concept to a tangible reality, reinforcing DLA's commitment to the safety and security of its people.

The exercise served as a practical reminder of the importance of personal preparedness.

"Following the exercise checklist was very helpful," said Edward Forbes, DLA Troop Support forward logistics specialist. "It served as an important reminder for me and my family to update our travel documents, including our passports."

By successfully validating its procedures, DLA Indo-Pacific demonstrated its capability to keep its employees and their families registered, informed and ready to act.