LOPBURI, Thailand — Lance Cpl. Christopher J. Brown, satellite operator, and Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Charlie Harper clean a classroom after flood water receded at the Sanamchai School. Brown is assigned to the III Marine Expeditionary Force flood relief command element. Harper is assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82). Joint U.S. forces assisted the Royal Thai Army Special Warfare College during flood clean-up and are supporting the Royal Government of Thailand in their flood relief efforts. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Matheus Hernandez)
Marines joined with Thailand forces in a true crisis situation on Oct. 15 when III Marine Expeditionary Force sent a task force of Marines to assist the Royal Government of Thailand in flood relief efforts. On Nov. 14, a larger III MEF task force arrived on the scene to carry out the necessary flood-relief operations.
The flooding, which was the worst in more than half a century, began in July and caused significant damage to homes, businesses, community centers, schools and hospitals. More than 600 lives were lost. A 10-man Humanitarian Assistance Survey Team composed of III MEF Marines, arrived only hours after notification of the flooding to assess and survey the situation as well as coordinate with Thai officials. Now, as the country attempts to pick up the pieces of its communities, the Marines are on the forefront of the rebuilding process.
The Marines have assisted members of the Royal Thai Army in the relief process by cleaning and repairing community facilities, participating in recovery operations, conducting medical and engineering assessments and evaluating the major flooded areas.
Yearly training exercises like Cobra Gold keep the Marines prepared for rescue efforts and humanitarian assistance in real-life crises like the flooding in Thailand.
“I believe we have all the right skill sets here to make this operation successful. The challenge is being able to mold that together and put each individual in the right focus area,” said Brig. Gen. Craig C. Crenshaw, commander of the III MEF flood relief command element in an interview with military reporters Nov. 18.
According to the Department of State, the U.S. government has given more than $10 million dollars in assistance and aid to support Thailand since October. It also provided boats, marine engines and life vests for the Thai police during rescue efforts. The U.S. government is working with the Thai government to assist in restoring significant historical sites and cultural landmarks. III MEF is committed to working alongside other U.S. military members and Thai officials to provide assistance as long as the people of Thailand are in need.
Cpl. Wyethpaul N. Yadao, an information systems technician, stands along side a member of the Royal Thai Army in their effort to remove debris as friends and allies open relief distribution sites in local communities damaged by flood water here Nov. 23. Yadao, a Kailua Kona, Hawaii, native, is attached to the III Marine Expeditionary Force Flood Relief Command Element. Service members continue to support the Royal Government of Thailand in their flood relief efforts. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Matheus Hernandez)