Initial brief prepares command element

BANGKOK, Thailand - Service members attached to the III Marine Expeditionary Force flood relief command element gathered together for an initial meeting with their senior leaders for an overview of what’s to be expected during their flood relief operations with the Royal Government of Thailand here Nov. 15.

Brig. Gen. Craig C. Crenshaw, commander, III Marine Expeditionary Force Flood Relief Command Element, gives his commander’s intent to experts in various functional areas during an initial brief here Nov. 15. In coordination with the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok and the Royal Government of Thailand, U.S. Pacific Command directed theater service components to conduct joint operations in support of disaster assessment and relief operations in Thailand. III MEF Flood Relief Command Element consists of U.S. forces from Okinawa, Japan, which will provide command and control for additional U.S. forces to assist the Royal Government of Thailand.

Directed by the U.S. Pacific Command, III MEF deployed Marines and sailors to conduct flood relief assessment and to execute specific tasks associated with disaster mitigation – which may include providing follow-on service members and capabilities. The command element is responsible for providing the command and control of U.S. forces working with and assisting the Thai government.

“The relationship we have with the Thai government is extremely important,” said Brig. Gen. Craig C. Crenshaw, commander, III MEF flood relief command element. “We are here to assist and we’re going to assist in any manner that is appropriate that the Thai government asks of us.”

The initial brief allowed all the senior leaders to reiterate what the mission is and the commander’s intent.

“It’s very important we establish who is who and what our big mission is,” said Sgt. Maj. Lawrence P. Fineran, command element sergeant major. “We are here to assess what’s going on and ensure we’re ready when called upon for any follow on missions.”

During the overview, Crenshaw expressed to service members the importance of their role during the operation and explained how vital each skill set is.

“I believe we have all the right skill sets here to make this operation successful,” said Crenshaw. “The challenge is being able to mold that together and put each individual in the right focus area.”

A few of the command element’s responsibilities are to conduct medical and engineering assessments and to assess major flooded area in coordination with the Royal Government of Thailand.

The command element is composed of joint U.S. forces in various fields of expertise to provide command and control of additional U.S. forces.

“At the end of this operation, we’re going to say that we were successful in assisting the Thai government, ” said Crenshaw.