Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet (C3F), Navy Region Northwest, local agencies and government officials gathered for a Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) seminar July 30 and 31.

The purpose of the seminar was to enhance coordination and cooperation between the U.S. military and civilian emergency management authorities, in the event of a catastrophic incident. DSCA support includes response to potential crises or natural disasters like wildfires, hurricanes and earthquakes. DSCA draws from existing warfighting capabilities of the Armed Forces for support operations in the homeland.

Representatives attended from the city of Seattle, King County, Pierce County, Washington State Emergency Management Division (EMD), Washington National Guard, U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, Royal Canadian Navy, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the Department of Health and Human Services.

"I think it is incredibly important what everyone here is doing. We have pulled together, and everyone who has got a stake in this and has built relationships understands that this is the most critical piece," said Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet Vice Adm. Nora W. Tyson. "We've got to think about it in terms of what is the worst thing that can happen and how do we deal with that. We are ready to do whatever it is we need to do at a moment's notice and I am all in to develop those relationships that need to be developed."

Considering the scope of how many communities would be affected during a major earthquake on the West Coast, leaders emphasized the importance of communication on every level. They stressed that the coordination of resources is vital to an effective response.

"It's going to be a huge logistics challenge if a catastrophe strikes this region, we have so many people that have a vested interest in being prepared for a major earthquake," said Kenneth D. Murphy, regional administrator for Region Ten for the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency. "It doesn't matter who your bosses are, we work for the citizens of this country. FEMA Region Ten has four states and 271 tribal nations so everyone has a vested interest in how we are going to bring organization to chaos."

The common theme from this DSCA seminar was the importance of local, state, federal and military leaders staying connected with one another and continuing the conversation about how to be better prepared in case a major catastrophe strikes.

"It's about the dialogue. Everyone has to be on the same page," said Rear Adm. Richard T. Gromlich, commander, Thirteenth Coast Guard District. "It's critical we aren't stove-piping anything. It's venues like this that are really going to save the day and save lives because we understand what our capabilities are which makes us better prepared to respond."

The event is part of a series held to foster relationships and assist in preparing U.S. military and civilian personnel to respond, including immediate response, to imminent or no-notice events like wildfires, hurricanes, and earthquakes.

Joint interagency and international relationships strengthen U.S. 3rd Fleet's ability to respond to crises and protect the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners.

For more news from Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, visit www.c3f.navy.mil/ .