NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY NAPLES, Italy –
U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) hosted the 2024 Medical Logistics (MEDLOG) War game led by the research and analysis organization Center for Naval Analyses (CNA), Feb. 6-8, 2024.
This event provided naval logistics, medical and joint professionals, a realistic and relevant venue to explore assistance in real-world scenarios and medical logistical challenges in order to develop health service support plans and capabilities that will effectively integrate into the NAVEUR and EUCOM logistics structures to inform future planning and preparation of the information environment.
“NAVEUR Force Medical is thrilled to host a diverse group of experts from across the defense enterprise to reproach medical planning considerations, challenge assumptions, and inform theater developments,” said Lt. Cmdr. Gabriel Rocha, chief medical planner, NAVEUR-NAVAF Force Medical. “This is a rare opportunity to dedicate the operational focus and analytical rigor on enabling functions of medical logistics with mission partners.”
CNA led 34 medical professionals from across the European theater in conflict scenarios that required logistics support, including medical material and patient movement in a contested environment. Participants accomplished these scenarios through group discussions and tabletop exercises.
"This war game provided a realistic opportunity to assess and develop solutions to the complex problem of logistics and health service support in the maritime environment within the EUCOM Theater,” said Capt. Wayne R. Smith, NAVEUR Force Surgeon. “The current operational environment challenges our previous experiences and demands a collaborative and synchronized approach across the joint force and NATO involving both medical and operational perspectives. We must leverage new technologies and processes to maximize combat casualty outcomes, force sustainment, and commander's flexibility in a future fight. The valuable lessons learned in this war game will inform our planning and training efforts going forward as we continue to posture the theater."
Rear Adm. Chase Patrick, U.S. Sixth Fleet’s Deputy Commander, kicked off the war games event with opening remarks. Patrick was followed by various guest speakers, briefs on the war games, and a question and answer session.
For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has forged strategic relationships with allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability.
Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations.