Medical CPX Highlights Cutting-Edge Expeditionary Medicine Preparedness at Keen Sword 25

Naval Medical Forces Pacific (NMFP) recently conducted a Command Post Exercise (CPX) at Naval Medical Center San Diego, from October 29 to 31. This exercise was part of Exercise Keen Sword 25, focusing on Navy Medicine’s expeditionary medical readiness.

Exercise Keen Sword, a biennial joint and bilateral field-training exercise, involved U.S. military and Japan Self-Defense Forces. It aims to enhance interoperability and readiness, strengthening the U.S.-Japan alliance.

The CPX was crucial for ensuring that NMFP’s deployable Task Group headquarters are primed to support the Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMPACFLT) during regional operations. “Our goal is to confirm our readiness to support COMPACFLT and the joint force,” stated Cmdr. Noah Apusen, deputy director of NMFP’s Maritime Operations Center.

This exercise tested the team’s capability to coordinate medical operations under challenging conditions, simulating a contested environment. The focus was on command and control, medical logistics, patient movement, and force health protection. Personnel from NMFP and its associated commands and facilities participated, including NMRTC San Diego, NMRTC Yokosuka, NMRTC Guam, NMRTC Camp Pendleton, and components of Expeditionary Medical Facility Alpha and the reserve EMF Camp Pendleton.

Despite the challenges, such as high operational tempo and limited communication, months of planning and briefings ensured the exercise’s success. Apusen highlighted the importance of this preparation, saying, “Our team met the training objectives, demonstrating command and control, establishing Role 3 hospitalization, moving critical supplies, and coordinating multi-modal patient movement.”

The CPX also showcased the support provided to medical units, such as Expeditionary Medical Facility (EMF) 150-Bravo, which conducted field training alongside the Japanese Self-Defense Forces at Camp Foster, Okinawa, from October 23 to November 1. This training refined casualty evacuation procedures and activated walking blood banks, among other capabilities.

Rear Adm. Guido Valdes, commander of NMFP, stressed the exercises’ importance in boosting Navy Medicine’s responsiveness. “Exercises like the CPX and EMF Bravo’s field training with the Japanese Self-Defense Forces underscore the power of collaboration and preparation,” he remarked.

NMFP provides oversight for 10 Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Commands on the West Coast and Pacific Rim, equipping medical forces in military treatment facilities. Additionally, NMFP manages the Naval Expeditionary Medicine Warfighter Development Center, playing a crucial role in preparing medical teams for operational environments globally.