JUNE 4, 2019, SUNSET BEACH, OR – The San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Anchorage (LPD 23) demonstrated its emergency response capabilities by conducting an amphibious beach landing off the coast of Oregon, June 3.
The launch was part of the second iteration of a Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) training event in the Oregon area. The first took place in 2017 when Clatsop County Emergency Management and the Navy conducted a practice emergency response plan in the event of a natural disaster.
“These training evolutions are a great way to showcase the Navy-Marine Corps team’s capability of bringing help to those in need after a natural disaster,” said Capt. Dennis Jacko, Anchorage’s commanding officer. “Exercises and training like this helps prepare our Sailors and local government agencies to work together seemlessly so that in the event of an earthquake or tsunami, we are ready to help in any capacity required. Amphibious ships are a key component of this capability, with tremendous cargo and medical facilities that are flexible enough to provide support anywhere along the coast.”
From off the coast, Anchorage launched two Landing Craft Air Cushions (LCAC) to Astoria, Oregon’s Sunset Beach. The LCACs landed on the beach and transferred mobile equipment to support various local agencies for the immediate and direct relief of citizens and the restoration of critical infrastructure. The landing demonstrated how crucial supplies and equipment could be delivered by U.S. Navy assets to the Northwest coast in the event of a natural disaster such as a Cascadia earthquake or tsunami.
A Cascadia Zone earthquake and accompanying tsunami could cause widespread damage to highways, bridges and other transportation infrastructure across the Pacific Northwest coast, complicating rescue and recovery efforts. Recognizing this, Clatsop County Emergency Management and the Navy began DCSA training along the coast of the Pacific Northwest.
DCSA is a core line of effort for the Navy, and for U.S. 3rd Fleet. This includes the planning and training of naval assets, ensuring they are ready to support any DSCA mission when called upon.
U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary for an effective global Navy. U.S. 3rd Fleet works constantly with U.S. 7th Fleet to complement one another and provide commanders capable, ready assets across the spectrum of military operations in the Pacific.
For more news from Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/c3f/.
Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Timothy E Heaps
Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet