OPERATION TROPIC REFUGE - THE EAST WOOD RESCUE

The U.S. Coast Guard rescued 525 Chinese nationals and ten Indonesian crewmen from the disabled motor vessel East Wood. They were participat ing in a human smuggling operation. Subjected to a trying ordeal at se a, these individuals were at great risk to life and health but survive d remarkably well because of their good health, age, and mutual cooper ation. The U.S. military organized the joint task force, Operation Pro vide Refuge, to provide humanitarian aid. The task force rapidly mobil ized resources to support camp development on Kwajalein Island and pro vide nutrition and health care to the stranded travelers. Preventive M edicine personnel, called in at the beginning of the operation, helped develop a healthy campsite, which contributed to a relatively unevent ful refugee experience. Close liaison with the local medical resources on Kwajalein was essential to the success of the operation.