USMEPCOM Strengthens Readiness with Severe Weather Exercise

USMEPCOM put its emergency response skills to the test, leading a severe weather tabletop exercise (TTX) that simulated the impact of a hurricane.

The TTX was designed as part of the command’s Emergency Management Program to sharpen readiness and ensure USMEPCOM can continue operations during natural disasters.  

“This exercise walks us through modules that mirror a hurricane’s lifecycle,” said Govanni McCall, command Emergency Management officer. “Each phase tests how we coordinate decisions, maintain operations and protect personnel.”

While the discussion-based exercise focused on responses from headquarters and 10th Battalion, all battalions attended to learn how to better prepare and react to hazardous weather events.

“This TTX was focused on hurricanes but it’s really our processes and forethought that matter,” said Army Col. Nicole Jepsen, USMEPCOM Easter Sector commander. “We could have an earthquake, flood, blizzard, tornado or even wildfire effect any of our MEPSs. Exercises like this help make sure we are ready to tackle any of them in the best way possible.”

10th Battalion, which includes MEPSs in Florida and Puerto Rico, had firsthand insights when it came to knowing how to handle all the situations that arose. They were able to provide critical feedback that helped leadership at HQ better understand what they needed to provide and when.

“We went through a hurricane last year, so we came into this exercise with real world experiences,” said Navy Cmdr. Ryan Roeling, 10th Battalion commander. “We were able to express the strengths and weaknesses of HQ in providing support. It’s encouraging to see the commitment from the command to do better, learn and redefine what’s possible from collaborating.”

The next TTX is planned to have 7th Battalion, which includes all California stations and Phoenix, at the helm. The exercise will focus on the risk of wildfires to expand the command’s preparedness for different regional threats.

“Exercises like this are valuable because they help us prepare for a real crisis,” said McCall. “Every perspective contributes to a safer and more resilient command.”