Expeditionary Medical Unit 10 Gulf (EMU 10G) recently completed a crucial seven-month deployment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) in the Middle East. The 31 personnel from EMU 10G returned from their deployment in Iraq on April 26, 2024, marking a significant milestone for Naval Medical Forces Pacific (NMFP) as they sent a team to support OIR for the first time in nearly a decade.
Rear Adm. Guido Valdes, NMFP commander, expressed his pride in welcoming home the brave men and women who faced unimaginable challenges with courage and resilience during their deployment. The actions of EMU 10G exemplify Navy Medicine’s expeditionary capabilities in providing medical support to joint forces, highlighting the dedication and commitment of the team.
The deployment of EMU 10G was swiftly executed by NMFP in October 2023 after receiving an official tasker in June to fulfill Rotation 15 in support of Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR). Operation Inherent Resolve aims to advise, assist, and enable partner forces to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and establish enduring security cooperation frameworks.
EMU 10G played a vital role in providing medical support by conducting Role 2 enhanced (2E) shore-based capabilities at Erbil Air Base in Iraq, offering triage and advanced resuscitation support to U.S. Armed Forces, DoD civilian contractors, and multinational coalition forces. The team also supported third-country national (TCN) repatriation events, contributing to the return of over 4,400 individuals to their communities and countries of origin in 2023.
Collaboration with medical teams from Germany and other coalition partners enhanced EMU 10G’s mission success, facilitating critical medical interventions, diagnostic testing, and emergency response capabilities. The team’s integration with base defense and response plans allowed them to provide medical support in a high-threat environment, despite increased attacks on Erbil Air Base during the Israel-Hamas conflict.
In addition to their role at Erbil Air Base, EMU 10G provided medical support to Northern Iraq and the Eastern Syria Security Area (ESSA), demonstrating their versatility and commitment to the mission. The preparation for the deployment began three months prior, with personnel undergoing combat skills training at Fort Bliss, Texas, to ensure readiness for the challenges ahead.
Cmdr. Noah Apusen, deputy director of NMFP’s Maritime Operations Center, highlighted the importance of training and preparation in equipping the team to handle the demands of their mission. The deployment of EMU 10G underscores Navy Medicine’s dedication to providing exceptional medical support to warfighters worldwide, showcasing their adaptability in evolving military operations.
As NMFP oversees Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Commands on the West Coast and Pacific Rim, the successful completion of EMU 10G’s deployment reflects the commitment to training, manning, and equipping medical forces in support of global readiness. The efforts of EMU 10G serve as a testament to the professionalism and dedication of Navy medical personnel in fulfilling their mission to support military operations and ensure the health and well-being of service members.