IMS Press Release 18 Feb. 2001

Exercise Relieve Discomfort 2001 (RD01) Over 1500 personnel from 7 NATO nations train in disaster relief in Curacao The Supreme Allied Commander, Atlantic (SACLANT), General William F. Kernan, announced today that the NATO Exercise Relieve Discomfort (RD 01) will be conducted 18-22 February, 2001 on the island of Curaçao. The aim of EX RD 01 is to demonstrate and improve the ability of the Standing Naval Force Atlantic (STANAVFORLANT) as one of NATO's Immediate Reaction Forces. STANAVFORLANT is a Multinational Naval Force, at present consisting of seven ships and over 1500 personnel from seven different NATO nations. In the scenario, a Caribbean island is struck by a hurricane and the crews of STANAVFORLANT are requested to provide humanitarian aid and disaster relief in the form of survivor relocation, medical care, feeding, and construction. The following NATO nations are expected to participate: Canada, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. EX RD 01 will be conducted by Commander in Chief, West Atlantic (WESTLANT), Admiral Robert Natter U.S. NAVY. He will be assisted by Flag Officer, Netherlands Forces Caribbean, Brigadier General W.A.J. Prins, Royal Netherlands Marine Corps. An Allied Press Information Centre (APIC) will be established at Landhuis, Ascencion in Curaçao. Requests for information should be directed to Lt L.J. Carpenter, WESTLANT Public Information Office, at (757) 836-3600 or fax (757) 836-3601. Updated information will also be available throughout the exercise on the internet at http://www.saclant.nato.int