ELEVEN
nations came together on the Malaysian island of Langkawi from
September 2-6 to develop a self-sustaining “relief supply”
distribution network.
The specific scenario centred on the fictitious island of Saola,
hypothetically positioned in the South China Sea where a typhoon
had caused massive damage. Saola international airport, communications,
lighting, and NBD navigational systems were inoperative. A state
of emergency was declared and the UN was asked to provide international
relief.
The nations involved were Australia, United States, Malaysia,
Singapore, Japan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Thailand, Indonesia,
and the Philippines.
The participant’s first role was movement priorities. Their
goal was to establish a viable relief supply distribution network
within a specific timeframe.
The 11 nations were split into three groups. Squadron Leader Linda
Corbould and Flight Lieutenant Matt Tevelen from No. 86 Wing were
the Australian players and worked alongside Sri Lankan, Singaporean
and Malaysian counterparts.
A highlight of the scenario building was a presentation by the
Deputy Commander of the civilian relief agency, Dr Doolittle (a.k.a
Wing Commander Steve Aspinal, a senior planner of the conference)
who provided a colourful snapshot of the involvement expected
by civilian relief agencies.
