The medical exchange gathers experts from around the world, in and out of the military, and gives them an opportunity to share their experiences.

“It brings together our civilian emergency planners, public health experts and first responders with the United States Navy and Marine Corps,” said Capt. Lynelle Boamah, USN Surgeon, U.S. 3rd Fleet. “To share our collective experiences and best practices in disaster preparedness and in readiness for all hazardous events.”

In this year’s medical exchange, international medical experts from Romania and Ukraine were featured speakers.

“From our experience, no one can work alone, no one can achieve things alone,” said Dr. Raed Arafat, the secretary of state of the Romanian Ministry of the Interior. “One agency or one service cannot do it alone. We need to work with the military, we need to work with the society, local authorities, with everyone. This needs to become the basis for normal times so that we can manage during crisis times.”

All speakers discussed the critical need for interoperability and cooperation during times of crisis or anywhere with mass causalities. Not just between local or state assets between the military but with international partners.

“The need to partner and support interoperability is of paramount importance,” said Rear Adm. Guido Valdes, commander of Navy Region West, Chief of Navy Medical Service Corps. “Venues such as this exchange will continue to promote collaboration and cooperation and help us meet unforeseen challenges more effectively.”

SFFW gives the public a chance to meet and interact with their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and see first-hand the United States’ naval power and capabilities.

During this week, service members will participate in community outreach events, showcase capabilities and equipment to the community, and enjoy the hospitality of the city and its surrounding areas.

For more information, please visit the San Francisco Fleet Week web site at www.fleetweeksf.org.