By Steve Marshall and Air Force Tech. Sgt. John Orrell National Guard Bureau
ARLINGTON, Va. – National Guard members and residents along the East Coast prepared today for Hurricane Sandy, which gained strength as it churned toward the eastern seaboard.
The storm was barreling north from the Caribbean and was expected to make landfall early Tuesday near the Delaware coast, then hit two winter weather systems while moving inland, creating the potential for a monster storm, according to the Associated Press.
At least 61,000 National Guard members are on hand, Guard officials said today.
As of 1:30 p.m. EDT today, governors in Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia and the mayor of Washington D.C., have declared states of emergency.
In Delaware, Gov. Jack Martell advised residents, “Be prepared to leave and be prepared to stay.” Delaware state agencies are planning for the worst, Martell said Friday.
National Guard units in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia and the District of Columbia are coordinating with authorities in the event Sandy makes landfall as predicted.
North Carolina alone has 10,000 Citizen-Soldiers standing by if needed.
"We are monitoring Hurricane Sandy closely and coordinating with our federal, state and local partners to ensure a coordinated and efficient response," said Gen. Frank J. Grass, chief of the National Guard Bureau. "Units across the National Guard are making the necessary preparations to respond to the needs of any states affected by Hurricane Sandy; rest assured the National Guard is poised and ready to provide proven responders and capabilities."
According to National Weather Service officials, the Category I storm could weaken into a tropical storm before it hits land in the Northeast/New England coast, but it could drop as much as 10 inches of rain along the coast on its northerly trajectory. If it collides with arctic air moving from the north and an early winter storm moving from the west, Sandy could potentially turn into what some weather officials are calling the “perfect storm.”
In Delaware, the 142nd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron has nurses and med techs already on standby, while the Air Guard is moving all flyable equipment out of the storm’s path over the weekend. The Army Guard will be sheltering helicopters until the storm passes, at which point they can fly into action as needed, Delaware National Guard officials said.
"We are joined in a cooperative effort - to save lives, protect property, and support recovery efforts," Gen. Grass said.
Showing posts with label Hurricane Relief. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hurricane Relief. Show all posts
Sunday, October 28, 2012
The Department of Defense Prepares for Hurricane Sandy
At the direction of Secretary Panetta, the Department of Defense is
taking aggressive steps to support the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) and State authorities as Hurricane Sandy moves northward.
With the goal of helping to save lives and property during the storm, the Secretary has agreed with the Governors of Maryland, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Rhode Island to appoint Dual Status Commanders as the storm approaches.
Dual Status Commanders are authorized to command both Federal and State National Guard forces. This special authority enables them to effectively integrate the defense support operations and capabilities that Governors request. The Secretary is prepared to quickly agree to similar requests from other States.
At the federal level, the Department's disaster preparedness and response efforts support the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA, and rapidly meet the requests for assistance they provide.
United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) is placing aviation assets such as light and medium lift helicopters and rescue teams on 24 hour Prepare to Deploy Order status in response to Hurricane Sandy. USNORTHCOM is also providing military installations for FEMA to use to conduct response operations, and is providing specialized planners who will help expedite DoD's response to requests for assistance.
The National Guard Bureau is in close coordination with Adjutants General (TAGs) and their disaster response teams in every East Coast state. These State National Guard organizations are coordinating with their respective state emergency management agencies and FEMA regions.
With the goal of helping to save lives and property during the storm, the Secretary has agreed with the Governors of Maryland, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Rhode Island to appoint Dual Status Commanders as the storm approaches.
Dual Status Commanders are authorized to command both Federal and State National Guard forces. This special authority enables them to effectively integrate the defense support operations and capabilities that Governors request. The Secretary is prepared to quickly agree to similar requests from other States.
At the federal level, the Department's disaster preparedness and response efforts support the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA, and rapidly meet the requests for assistance they provide.
United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) is placing aviation assets such as light and medium lift helicopters and rescue teams on 24 hour Prepare to Deploy Order status in response to Hurricane Sandy. USNORTHCOM is also providing military installations for FEMA to use to conduct response operations, and is providing specialized planners who will help expedite DoD's response to requests for assistance.
The National Guard Bureau is in close coordination with Adjutants General (TAGs) and their disaster response teams in every East Coast state. These State National Guard organizations are coordinating with their respective state emergency management agencies and FEMA regions.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Thousands of Army and Air Guard members ready and prepared for Isaac
Personnel in the National Guard Command Center in Arlington, Va., monitor the progress of Tropical Storm Isaac as it makes its way through the Gulf of Mexico, Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. The NGCC, which serves as a hub that provides an overall tracking and coordination of National Guard elements, has gone to 24 hour operations in preparation for Isaac making landfall. Isaac's predicted path has it hitting the Gulf Coast region sometime Tuesday or Wednesday. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jon Soucy)(Released)Editor's Note: This is station HQ703N on the National Guard HF ALE nets. We have seen this station very active the last few days. Watch our twitter feed @MilcomMP for freqs.
WASHINGTON - More than 33,500 National Guard personnel and nearly 100 aircraft are available to the governors of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana, as Tropical Storm Isaac threatens states along the Gulf of Mexico, Defense Department officials said.
Army Maj. Gen. Augustus L. Collins, Mississippi's adjutant general, called about 1,500 National Guard personnel to state active duty in support of emergency operations in anticipation of the storm's potential landfall on or near the Mississippi Gulf Coast later this week. Guard Soldiers and Airmen will begin arriving today in coastal counties, preparing to support security operations, search and rescue, debris removal and commodity distribution, officials said.
In Louisiana, Gov. Bobby Jindal has activated 4,126 National Guard personnel to assist with evacuation and logistics.
Defense Department facilities near Isaac's projected path are taking actions to alert, prepare and secure their equipment, facility and personnel for the storm. Homestead Air Reserve Base, MacDill Air Force Base, Tyndall Air Force Base, Duke Field and Hurlburt Field in Florida, as well as Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, La., have relocated their aircraft, or have evacuations in progress, officials said.
Rick Knabb, director of the National Hurricane Center, said people should not take the storm lightly.
"In this case we have a tropical storm that we're forecasting to become a hurricane," he said, "and it certainly concerns me that people don't take it seriously, because right now they see it as a tropical storm and may not believe that it's going to strengthen.
"We cannot guarantee 100 percent how much it's going to strengthen," he continued. "We're forecasting Category 1. It could end up being a little stronger than that, perhaps a 2, [or] it could end up being a little weaker than that, perhaps a tropical storm. That's strong enough, in any of those cases, to produce problems with regard to wind and wind damage."
A tropical storm packs winds up to 74 mph. A Category 1 hurricane has winds up to 95 mph and a Category 2 storm's winds are in the 96 to 110 mph range. U.S. Northern Command is coordinating the Defense Department's support to the Federal Emergency Management Agency and state and local response activities.
The National Guard Bureau’s National Guard Command Center has gone to 24 hour operations in anticipation of Isaac making landfall. Personnel in the NGCC have been tracking the storm’s progress as well as coordinating and working with Guard elements in the states that may be affected by the storm.
Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla., and Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., have been designated as incident support bases.
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
FEMA Chief, Northcom General Cite Military's Hurricane Response Role
By Army Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill, Special to American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON - The National Guard is essential to hurricane response, the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency told lawmakers here last week.
W. Craig Fugate, FEMA administrator, and Army Maj. Gen. Frank Grass, U.S. Northern Command's director of operations, testified June 4 before an ad hoc disaster-response subcommittee of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
"The National Guard is a key component of any state governor's ability to respond to a variety of disasters," Fugate said. "They are a force multiplier for the ... state responders. [The National Guard] is a key component of our national defense strategy."
Fugate said one of the first things he did after he was sworn in May 19 was to meet with Air Force Gen. Craig R. McKinley, chief of the National Guard Bureau.
"We have a very strong statewide mutual aid system under [the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, and] we leverage that with the National Guard," Fugate said.
The National Guard and Northcom stand ready to support civil authorities in the 2009 hurricane season, which began June 1, Grass said.
The National Guard is "the first responders in support of [civil authorities] and the governor, so they're going to be there first," Grass told the subcommittee. "It behooves us at Northcom to understand their capability and look at their response times, because if they're successful at the local level, that's less federal assets we have to put forward."
National Guard, Northcom and FEMA leaders were joined by state and county officials at a hurricane workshop in South Carolina earlier this year, Grass told lawmakers.
"We walked through ... how the locals would be responding, how the state would respond [and] then the National Guard gave us a lay-down by state of where their shortfalls were," Grass said. "Then FEMA came in and explained what capabilities it may be requesting.
"The biggest shortfall this current hurricane season," he continued, "probably is in the brigade structure of the National Guard, because of the number of brigades deployed [overseas]. Even though it's a shortfall in certain regions, it's not a shortfall across the nation. It's a matter of reallocating forces, and the National Guard is working very closely ... with the state adjutants general to identify those forces that can fill those shortfalls."
Grass said a similar situation exists with helicopters, and that equipment from other regions can relieve a shortage in a particular state.
A third challenge is aeromedical evacuation, Grass said.
"We've improved greatly since last hurricane season on the ability to identify patients, ... move [them], how to receive them," he said. Defense and federal coordinating officers are working with local officials to improve communication before a storm.
Any hurricane response will be a joint effort by military forces supporting civilian authorities, Grass said.
"We've looked closely at the active component – Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard – ... to see where their assets would be available," Grass said.
National Guard Bureau and Northcom leaders talk daily to coordinate efforts, Grass said in an interview after his testimony.
"Between Northern Command and NGB, we're all watching the continental United States and the states and territories," Grass said. "If we see something out there, ... we immediately make contact with each other."
NGB's command center and the North American Aerospace Defense Command and Northcom command center work together closely, and whenever National Guard forces are deployed domestically, "we're prepared to back them up," Grass said.
"The key point in this response – whether it's a local Guard unit or it's a federal force being called in because the governor said he has a shortfall – is that we're always in support of a civilian agency on the ground that needs help, and we owe it to the taxpayers – to our citizens – to use the best asset that we have the quickest."
During Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Grass was deputy director of the Army National Guard. He then served abroad in U.S. European Command, returning last year to take up his position at Northcom. That previous hurricane experience, plus his time abroad, has given him a perspective on the nation's current hurricane preparedness, he said.
"To see the changes, it's night and day," Grass said. "Northcom has matured. The Guard has matured in their relationships with the states and with Northern Command. Just the fact that today there are five reserve component general officers serving full time at Northern Command and there are three traditional Army Reserve and Air Guard and Army Guard generals serving at Northern Command – we have a much closer relationship than we have ever had. The FEMA administration has reached out to the interagency and to the Department of Defense.
"When you look at a total reserve force of over a million, and the National Guard at over 460,000 Army and Air Guardsmen," he continued, "there's no reason the National Guard Bureau can't make that response happen through [emergency management assistance compacts] – and we would be prepared from Northern Command to step in and help if there were gaps."
As is increasingly the case throughout the Defense Department, Northcom is a truly joint environment, Grass said.
"I don't care what uniform you wear or what component you're with," Grass said, "your No. 1 mission should be defense of the homeland and providing response capability to the citizens of the United States."
WASHINGTON - The National Guard is essential to hurricane response, the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency told lawmakers here last week.
W. Craig Fugate, FEMA administrator, and Army Maj. Gen. Frank Grass, U.S. Northern Command's director of operations, testified June 4 before an ad hoc disaster-response subcommittee of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
"The National Guard is a key component of any state governor's ability to respond to a variety of disasters," Fugate said. "They are a force multiplier for the ... state responders. [The National Guard] is a key component of our national defense strategy."
Fugate said one of the first things he did after he was sworn in May 19 was to meet with Air Force Gen. Craig R. McKinley, chief of the National Guard Bureau.
"We have a very strong statewide mutual aid system under [the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, and] we leverage that with the National Guard," Fugate said.
The National Guard and Northcom stand ready to support civil authorities in the 2009 hurricane season, which began June 1, Grass said.
The National Guard is "the first responders in support of [civil authorities] and the governor, so they're going to be there first," Grass told the subcommittee. "It behooves us at Northcom to understand their capability and look at their response times, because if they're successful at the local level, that's less federal assets we have to put forward."
National Guard, Northcom and FEMA leaders were joined by state and county officials at a hurricane workshop in South Carolina earlier this year, Grass told lawmakers.
"We walked through ... how the locals would be responding, how the state would respond [and] then the National Guard gave us a lay-down by state of where their shortfalls were," Grass said. "Then FEMA came in and explained what capabilities it may be requesting.
"The biggest shortfall this current hurricane season," he continued, "probably is in the brigade structure of the National Guard, because of the number of brigades deployed [overseas]. Even though it's a shortfall in certain regions, it's not a shortfall across the nation. It's a matter of reallocating forces, and the National Guard is working very closely ... with the state adjutants general to identify those forces that can fill those shortfalls."
Grass said a similar situation exists with helicopters, and that equipment from other regions can relieve a shortage in a particular state.
A third challenge is aeromedical evacuation, Grass said.
"We've improved greatly since last hurricane season on the ability to identify patients, ... move [them], how to receive them," he said. Defense and federal coordinating officers are working with local officials to improve communication before a storm.
Any hurricane response will be a joint effort by military forces supporting civilian authorities, Grass said.
"We've looked closely at the active component – Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard – ... to see where their assets would be available," Grass said.
National Guard Bureau and Northcom leaders talk daily to coordinate efforts, Grass said in an interview after his testimony.
"Between Northern Command and NGB, we're all watching the continental United States and the states and territories," Grass said. "If we see something out there, ... we immediately make contact with each other."
NGB's command center and the North American Aerospace Defense Command and Northcom command center work together closely, and whenever National Guard forces are deployed domestically, "we're prepared to back them up," Grass said.
"The key point in this response – whether it's a local Guard unit or it's a federal force being called in because the governor said he has a shortfall – is that we're always in support of a civilian agency on the ground that needs help, and we owe it to the taxpayers – to our citizens – to use the best asset that we have the quickest."
During Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Grass was deputy director of the Army National Guard. He then served abroad in U.S. European Command, returning last year to take up his position at Northcom. That previous hurricane experience, plus his time abroad, has given him a perspective on the nation's current hurricane preparedness, he said.
"To see the changes, it's night and day," Grass said. "Northcom has matured. The Guard has matured in their relationships with the states and with Northern Command. Just the fact that today there are five reserve component general officers serving full time at Northern Command and there are three traditional Army Reserve and Air Guard and Army Guard generals serving at Northern Command – we have a much closer relationship than we have ever had. The FEMA administration has reached out to the interagency and to the Department of Defense.
"When you look at a total reserve force of over a million, and the National Guard at over 460,000 Army and Air Guardsmen," he continued, "there's no reason the National Guard Bureau can't make that response happen through [emergency management assistance compacts] – and we would be prepared from Northern Command to step in and help if there were gaps."
As is increasingly the case throughout the Defense Department, Northcom is a truly joint environment, Grass said.
"I don't care what uniform you wear or what component you're with," Grass said, "your No. 1 mission should be defense of the homeland and providing response capability to the citizens of the United States."
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
USS Nassau Concludes Hurricane Ike Disaster Response Efforts
GALVESTON, Texas (NNS) -- USS Nassau (LHA 4) weighed anchor Sept. 23 to return to her homeport in Norfolk, Va., after a week of supporting local, state and federal civil authorities in Galveston's recovery effort in the wake of Hurricane Ike.
Nassau's Sailors and Marines accomplished a variety of disaster relief tasks set out by local officials. They distributed 16,440 meals ready-to-eat; 13,835 cases of water; 25,285 bags of ice; took part in emergency debris removal, clearing 1,075 cubic yards of debris; delivered medical aid for 12 minor medical cases; and assisted in bringing critical infrastructure, such as the Port of Galveston and Scholes International Airport, back on line.
"Our Sailors and Marines were able to come to the aid of their fellow Americans," said Capt. Bob Lineberry, commander, Amphibious Squadron 6. "Disaster relief and humanitarian assistance is a capability that we take around the world, and it was just as important to help our own citizens. We will sail away from here proud of our accomplishments."
Amphibious assault ships like Nassau have unique capabilities and can provide a variety of assets that can support recovery efforts following natural disasters. Nassau brought two MH-60S Knighthawk search and rescue helicopters from the "Dragon Whales" of Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 28, Detachment 4; Tactical Air Control Squadron 21; four landing craft utilities from Assault Craft Unit 2; Beachmaster Unit 2; Amphibious Construction Battalion 2 (Seabees); and Fleet Surgical Team 2 to Galveston.
The ship also deployed Galveston Assistance Team – Overhaul Recovery (GATOR) which is a team of more than 300 Sailors from the ship who volunteered to provide additional manpower ashore.
U.S. Fleet Forces directed Nassau Sept. 17 to proceed to Galveston following Hurricane Ike's landfall. U.S. Fleet Forces is the maritime component command of U.S. Northern Command, Department of Defense's lead supporting the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The ship was already underway conducting routine training operations off the coast of Virginia when called upon to prepare for possible disaster relief efforts for Hurricane Ike.
Nassau's mission is to embark, deploy and land a Marine landing force by helicopter, attack aircraft or amphibious vehicle. This multipurpose ship has a highly trained crew and ready capabilities to perform many types of missions, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
Nassau's Sailors and Marines accomplished a variety of disaster relief tasks set out by local officials. They distributed 16,440 meals ready-to-eat; 13,835 cases of water; 25,285 bags of ice; took part in emergency debris removal, clearing 1,075 cubic yards of debris; delivered medical aid for 12 minor medical cases; and assisted in bringing critical infrastructure, such as the Port of Galveston and Scholes International Airport, back on line.
"Our Sailors and Marines were able to come to the aid of their fellow Americans," said Capt. Bob Lineberry, commander, Amphibious Squadron 6. "Disaster relief and humanitarian assistance is a capability that we take around the world, and it was just as important to help our own citizens. We will sail away from here proud of our accomplishments."
Amphibious assault ships like Nassau have unique capabilities and can provide a variety of assets that can support recovery efforts following natural disasters. Nassau brought two MH-60S Knighthawk search and rescue helicopters from the "Dragon Whales" of Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 28, Detachment 4; Tactical Air Control Squadron 21; four landing craft utilities from Assault Craft Unit 2; Beachmaster Unit 2; Amphibious Construction Battalion 2 (Seabees); and Fleet Surgical Team 2 to Galveston.
The ship also deployed Galveston Assistance Team – Overhaul Recovery (GATOR) which is a team of more than 300 Sailors from the ship who volunteered to provide additional manpower ashore.
U.S. Fleet Forces directed Nassau Sept. 17 to proceed to Galveston following Hurricane Ike's landfall. U.S. Fleet Forces is the maritime component command of U.S. Northern Command, Department of Defense's lead supporting the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The ship was already underway conducting routine training operations off the coast of Virginia when called upon to prepare for possible disaster relief efforts for Hurricane Ike.
Nassau's mission is to embark, deploy and land a Marine landing force by helicopter, attack aircraft or amphibious vehicle. This multipurpose ship has a highly trained crew and ready capabilities to perform many types of missions, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
TACRON-21 Ensures Safe Air Operations in Galveston
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Riza Caparros, USS Nassau Public Affairs
Lt. Cmdr. Jason Arganbright directs a CH-53 Super Stallion assigned to the "Blackhawks" of Helicopter Mine Counter Measures (HM) 15 to land onto Balls Senior High School football field in Galveston, Texas. HM-15 is conducting flight operations to Galveston, Texas, to support civil authorities in disaster recovery as directed in the wake of Hurricane Ike. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. j.g. Lydia Bock/Released)
GALVESTON, Texas (NNS) -- A detachment of Air Traffic Controllers from Tactical Air Control Squadron (TACRON) 21 embarked USS Nassau (LHA 4) in support of relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike.
The squadron, based out of Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Virginia Beach, Va., sent a detachment of 21 personnel to suport air operations as the need to land aircraft in unusual terrain became apparent.
Upon arrival of USS Nassau to waters off the southern Texas coast, TACRON 21 personnel established a Landing Zone (LZ) with advisory air traffic control service at Galveston's Ball High School and Galveston Scholes International Airport while the tower at that field was out of service. Establishment of those LZs enhanced the safety of operations of MH-53 helicopters and MH-60S helicopters just four days after the storm hit southern Texas.
Lt. Cmdr. Jason Arganbright, the officer-in-charge (OIC) of the two LZ teams assisting in the efforts, explained the need for such help when the relief headquarters was set up on the grounds of Ball High School.
"This landing zone was uncontrolled," said Arganbright. "We are here to ensure safety for those aircraft being used so they can safely take off and land in this unusual area."
First responders were on scene at the established relief headquarters, including Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Texas Army National Guard and the Texas Air National Guard.
Arganbright emphasized the need to protect the first responders.
"For the safety of those people giving help on the ground, we also are there to make sure they are safe as the helos are coming and going over their heads," he said.
Galveston's Ball High School is located centrally in the west side of Galveston Island, where Hurricane Ike caused the most damage. According to first-responder officials, as many as 10,000 people remained in the area as the hurricane made landfall.
There was so much debris caused by the storm as water surged 15 to 20 feet above sea level. Roads were closed, electricity and clean, potable water were lost. Transportation by air, such as a helicopter, became an ideal way to quickly gain access to the affected areas.
"We are a large portion of the air puzzle," he continued, "providing services of air planning all the way through execution afloat and ashore. Without our services, transport by air from the sea to this area would have assumed a higher risk."
USS Nassau and other military units are working together in support of civil authorities to help the recovery process in Galveston and other areas of Texas damaged in the wake of Hurricane Ike.
Lt. Cmdr. Jason Arganbright directs a CH-53 Super Stallion assigned to the "Blackhawks" of Helicopter Mine Counter Measures (HM) 15 to land onto Balls Senior High School football field in Galveston, Texas. HM-15 is conducting flight operations to Galveston, Texas, to support civil authorities in disaster recovery as directed in the wake of Hurricane Ike. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. j.g. Lydia Bock/Released)
GALVESTON, Texas (NNS) -- A detachment of Air Traffic Controllers from Tactical Air Control Squadron (TACRON) 21 embarked USS Nassau (LHA 4) in support of relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike.
The squadron, based out of Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Virginia Beach, Va., sent a detachment of 21 personnel to suport air operations as the need to land aircraft in unusual terrain became apparent.
Upon arrival of USS Nassau to waters off the southern Texas coast, TACRON 21 personnel established a Landing Zone (LZ) with advisory air traffic control service at Galveston's Ball High School and Galveston Scholes International Airport while the tower at that field was out of service. Establishment of those LZs enhanced the safety of operations of MH-53 helicopters and MH-60S helicopters just four days after the storm hit southern Texas.
Lt. Cmdr. Jason Arganbright, the officer-in-charge (OIC) of the two LZ teams assisting in the efforts, explained the need for such help when the relief headquarters was set up on the grounds of Ball High School.
"This landing zone was uncontrolled," said Arganbright. "We are here to ensure safety for those aircraft being used so they can safely take off and land in this unusual area."
First responders were on scene at the established relief headquarters, including Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Texas Army National Guard and the Texas Air National Guard.
Arganbright emphasized the need to protect the first responders.
"For the safety of those people giving help on the ground, we also are there to make sure they are safe as the helos are coming and going over their heads," he said.
Galveston's Ball High School is located centrally in the west side of Galveston Island, where Hurricane Ike caused the most damage. According to first-responder officials, as many as 10,000 people remained in the area as the hurricane made landfall.
There was so much debris caused by the storm as water surged 15 to 20 feet above sea level. Roads were closed, electricity and clean, potable water were lost. Transportation by air, such as a helicopter, became an ideal way to quickly gain access to the affected areas.
"We are a large portion of the air puzzle," he continued, "providing services of air planning all the way through execution afloat and ashore. Without our services, transport by air from the sea to this area would have assumed a higher risk."
USS Nassau and other military units are working together in support of civil authorities to help the recovery process in Galveston and other areas of Texas damaged in the wake of Hurricane Ike.
USS Nassau, Disaster Recovery Team Offer Aid in Galveston
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) David Wyscaver
GALVESTON, Texas (NNS) -- The disaster recovery team (DRT) embarked on Amphibious Assault ship USS Nassau (LHA 4) arrived in Galveston, Texas, Sept. 18 to support disaster relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Ike.
The DRT consists of Sailors from Amphibious Construction Battalion 2 (ACB-2) stationed at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek (NABLC). They are deployed to aid in situations such as natural disasters.
"The main mission of our unit is to provide relief support wherever it's needed, whether it be by construction, electrical assistance, clearing debris, chopping down trees, search and rescue or just helping to fix facilities. Whatever the relief efforts call for, we are there to provide," said Builder 2nd Class (SCW) Anthony Marshall, Amphibious Construction Battalion 2.
The unit hit the beach of the Texas Coast Sept. 18 via Landing Craft Unit (LCU) where they began using their large equipment and versatile capabilities to provide emergency debris clearance at critical infrastructures, such as the Port of Galveston.
"Everybody in the unit will play a huge part, ensuring we all handle our individual responsibilities for the team and coming together as one to help those we are here to help," said Steelworker Construction Recruit Lane Adger, steelworker ACB-2.
"We have a very good team, and it is one team, one fight. Everyone's skills are augmented through one another, and there's so much training involved to help prepare us to step in at anytime and get the job done," said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class John Southwell, medical department leading petty officer ACB-2.
In order to carry out each particular task in conjunction with civil authorities, communication is key in coordinating what resources are needed and where they will be the most effective during the recovery efforts.
"I'm serving as the liaison officer for Navy Task Group Ike," said Lt. Cmdr. Eric Lull, training and readiness officer for Amphibious Squadron 6. "I'm going to be on land in Galveston coordinating any information Nassau will need to help them complete their mission in supporting the relief efforts."
A few Sailors involved in the mission offered their personal feelings on what it means to be a part of the recovery process.
"I'm originally from Leport, Texas, and this storm has damaged the home I grew up in along with my aunt's vacation home," said Aviation Ordnanceman Airman (AW) Cody Blair. "It feels really good to know I can help make a difference in restoring the area I once called home."
Lull agreed.
"I was born in San Antonio and lived in the Sugarland area as well. It's great to be back and be able to help out."
USS Nassau and other military units are working together in support of civil authorities to help the recovery process in Galveston and other areas of Texas damaged in the wake of Hurricane Ike.
GALVESTON, Texas (NNS) -- The disaster recovery team (DRT) embarked on Amphibious Assault ship USS Nassau (LHA 4) arrived in Galveston, Texas, Sept. 18 to support disaster relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Ike.
The DRT consists of Sailors from Amphibious Construction Battalion 2 (ACB-2) stationed at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek (NABLC). They are deployed to aid in situations such as natural disasters.
"The main mission of our unit is to provide relief support wherever it's needed, whether it be by construction, electrical assistance, clearing debris, chopping down trees, search and rescue or just helping to fix facilities. Whatever the relief efforts call for, we are there to provide," said Builder 2nd Class (SCW) Anthony Marshall, Amphibious Construction Battalion 2.
The unit hit the beach of the Texas Coast Sept. 18 via Landing Craft Unit (LCU) where they began using their large equipment and versatile capabilities to provide emergency debris clearance at critical infrastructures, such as the Port of Galveston.
"Everybody in the unit will play a huge part, ensuring we all handle our individual responsibilities for the team and coming together as one to help those we are here to help," said Steelworker Construction Recruit Lane Adger, steelworker ACB-2.
"We have a very good team, and it is one team, one fight. Everyone's skills are augmented through one another, and there's so much training involved to help prepare us to step in at anytime and get the job done," said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class John Southwell, medical department leading petty officer ACB-2.
In order to carry out each particular task in conjunction with civil authorities, communication is key in coordinating what resources are needed and where they will be the most effective during the recovery efforts.
"I'm serving as the liaison officer for Navy Task Group Ike," said Lt. Cmdr. Eric Lull, training and readiness officer for Amphibious Squadron 6. "I'm going to be on land in Galveston coordinating any information Nassau will need to help them complete their mission in supporting the relief efforts."
A few Sailors involved in the mission offered their personal feelings on what it means to be a part of the recovery process.
"I'm originally from Leport, Texas, and this storm has damaged the home I grew up in along with my aunt's vacation home," said Aviation Ordnanceman Airman (AW) Cody Blair. "It feels really good to know I can help make a difference in restoring the area I once called home."
Lull agreed.
"I was born in San Antonio and lived in the Sugarland area as well. It's great to be back and be able to help out."
USS Nassau and other military units are working together in support of civil authorities to help the recovery process in Galveston and other areas of Texas damaged in the wake of Hurricane Ike.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
USS Nassau delivers critical help to Galveston
by Capt. Nicholas J. Sabula Air Force News Agency
A high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle or Humvee exits from an utility landing craft Sept. 18 on the beach near Galveston, Texas. The Humvee was from the amphibious assault ship USS Nassau anchored off Galveston to provide disaster response and aid to civil authorities as directed in the wake of Hurricane Ike. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Bennie J. Davis III)
GALVESTON ISLAND, Texas (AFPN) -- Military heavy equipment and teams began arriving onshore here Sept. 18 as part of a tremendous assistance effort for an area devastated by Hurricane Ike.
Teams from the amphibious assault ship USS Nassau began the process of bringing supplies, equipment and people ashore to help with cleanup efforts.
A Navy construction battalion, who are experts in rebuilding roads or bridges, is part of the relief effort.
"We're working with the state of Texas and the mayor of Galveston (in Texas) in providing them the services that they need here," said Navy Capt. James Boorujy, the USS Nassau commanding officer. "They're in charge and we're supporting them any way we can.
The Naval officer in charge of the relief operation is Navy Capt. Bob Lineberry, the Amphibious Squadron 6 commander. As commander of the squadron, Captain Lineberry also holds the title of commodore, given to officers who command a squadron of ships.
"We're here to support the Mayor for as quick of recovery as possible," Captain Lineberry said. "Our people are trained with the machinery to remove debris in a variety of environments. Fallen trees, broken machinery, our guys are trained for these types of missions and we'll do them where the mayor desires us to be."
Officials from U.S. Fleet Forces Command, as the Joint Forces Maritime component commander to U.S. Northern Command, directed the ship to provide maritime disaster response at the request of the Federal Emergency Management Agency assisting first responders on scene and citizens affected by Hurricane Ike.
From the USS Nassau, members of the Assault Craft Unit departed for an eight-mile journey to Galveston's beach. The unit, using four landing craft utility boats, transported heavy equipment from ship to shore, including Humvees, backhoes, front-end loaders and other heavy machinery, equipment and Sailors for the emergency debris removal efforts.
"We're responsible for the movement of vehicles, cargo and personnel from ship to shore," said Navy Chief Petty Officer Reggie Sherrod, one of four craftmasters running the LCUs. "I can carry 200 tons, composed of equipment and force personnel."
More than 1,000 Sailors and Marines are coming ashore to assist in recovery efforts. The four LCUs arrived at the beach, conducted a beach landing, bringing equipment and specialty teams such as a beachmaster unit and three disaster relief teams ashore Sept. 18, while the masses of Sailors are being brought ashore on the LCUs Sept. 19 to assist in the enormous task of getting the city back on its feet.
Once shoreside, the beachmasters play an important role in getting forces onto land.
"Our role is to setup a command center, control the traffic of personnel and cargo from ship to shore," said Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chris Hernandez, assigned to Beach Master Unit 2. "Once ashore, it will be put to use for whatever Galveston needs. We coordinate with members of city who tell us where the need it."
Once equipment arrives on shore, it is checked and put into action.
"We'll make full use of the vehicle we have," said Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Levon Poel, a disaster relief team member with Amphibious Construction Battalion 2, who is responsible for all equipment being brought ashore. "We have a bulldozer, we can help with grading the beach, clearing any debris they have, whatever they need."
Sailors coming ashore will also be assisting with points of distribution for supplies.
The USS Nassau made a 2,000-mile journey to Galveston, arriving off coast in the evening of Sept. 16.
"We were actually underway heading here before the hurricane hit", Captain Boorujy said.
"Almost immediately upon arrival, there was extensive coordination and integration with lead government agencies in order to make to beach (Sept. 18)," Captain Lineberry said.
The ship deployed for the same mission following Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
"It's a good feeling knowing we're coming out here to help our country," Petty Officer Hernandez said. This is one of the things we're ready for. We came to serve our country no matter where -- here, Iraq, Afghanistan, stateside. Wherever we're needed, we'll go."
A high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle or Humvee exits from an utility landing craft Sept. 18 on the beach near Galveston, Texas. The Humvee was from the amphibious assault ship USS Nassau anchored off Galveston to provide disaster response and aid to civil authorities as directed in the wake of Hurricane Ike. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Bennie J. Davis III)
GALVESTON ISLAND, Texas (AFPN) -- Military heavy equipment and teams began arriving onshore here Sept. 18 as part of a tremendous assistance effort for an area devastated by Hurricane Ike.
Teams from the amphibious assault ship USS Nassau began the process of bringing supplies, equipment and people ashore to help with cleanup efforts.
A Navy construction battalion, who are experts in rebuilding roads or bridges, is part of the relief effort.
"We're working with the state of Texas and the mayor of Galveston (in Texas) in providing them the services that they need here," said Navy Capt. James Boorujy, the USS Nassau commanding officer. "They're in charge and we're supporting them any way we can.
The Naval officer in charge of the relief operation is Navy Capt. Bob Lineberry, the Amphibious Squadron 6 commander. As commander of the squadron, Captain Lineberry also holds the title of commodore, given to officers who command a squadron of ships.
"We're here to support the Mayor for as quick of recovery as possible," Captain Lineberry said. "Our people are trained with the machinery to remove debris in a variety of environments. Fallen trees, broken machinery, our guys are trained for these types of missions and we'll do them where the mayor desires us to be."
Officials from U.S. Fleet Forces Command, as the Joint Forces Maritime component commander to U.S. Northern Command, directed the ship to provide maritime disaster response at the request of the Federal Emergency Management Agency assisting first responders on scene and citizens affected by Hurricane Ike.
From the USS Nassau, members of the Assault Craft Unit departed for an eight-mile journey to Galveston's beach. The unit, using four landing craft utility boats, transported heavy equipment from ship to shore, including Humvees, backhoes, front-end loaders and other heavy machinery, equipment and Sailors for the emergency debris removal efforts.
"We're responsible for the movement of vehicles, cargo and personnel from ship to shore," said Navy Chief Petty Officer Reggie Sherrod, one of four craftmasters running the LCUs. "I can carry 200 tons, composed of equipment and force personnel."
More than 1,000 Sailors and Marines are coming ashore to assist in recovery efforts. The four LCUs arrived at the beach, conducted a beach landing, bringing equipment and specialty teams such as a beachmaster unit and three disaster relief teams ashore Sept. 18, while the masses of Sailors are being brought ashore on the LCUs Sept. 19 to assist in the enormous task of getting the city back on its feet.
Once shoreside, the beachmasters play an important role in getting forces onto land.
"Our role is to setup a command center, control the traffic of personnel and cargo from ship to shore," said Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chris Hernandez, assigned to Beach Master Unit 2. "Once ashore, it will be put to use for whatever Galveston needs. We coordinate with members of city who tell us where the need it."
Once equipment arrives on shore, it is checked and put into action.
"We'll make full use of the vehicle we have," said Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Levon Poel, a disaster relief team member with Amphibious Construction Battalion 2, who is responsible for all equipment being brought ashore. "We have a bulldozer, we can help with grading the beach, clearing any debris they have, whatever they need."
Sailors coming ashore will also be assisting with points of distribution for supplies.
The USS Nassau made a 2,000-mile journey to Galveston, arriving off coast in the evening of Sept. 16.
"We were actually underway heading here before the hurricane hit", Captain Boorujy said.
"Almost immediately upon arrival, there was extensive coordination and integration with lead government agencies in order to make to beach (Sept. 18)," Captain Lineberry said.
The ship deployed for the same mission following Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
"It's a good feeling knowing we're coming out here to help our country," Petty Officer Hernandez said. This is one of the things we're ready for. We came to serve our country no matter where -- here, Iraq, Afghanistan, stateside. Wherever we're needed, we'll go."
Thursday, September 18, 2008
USS Nassau Responding to Hurricane Ike at 'Best Speed'
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Elizabeth Merriam, USS Nassau Public Affairs
Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Toni Killian guides an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter to land on the flight deck of the amphibious transport dock ship USS Nassau (LHA 4). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Amanda Clayton/Released)
Amphibious assault ship USS Nassau (LHA 4) has been directed to take station off Galveston Island to provide maritime emergency response assistance to citizens affected by Hurricane Ike made landfall Sept. 13 and to assist responders supporting local citizens.
Nassau was already at sea conducting routine operations when Hurricane Ike struck the Texas coast. Nassau was first directed south to operate off the Florida coast and then received orders to move into the Gulf of Mexico.
Nassau traveled more than 1,500 nautical miles in three days, stopping only to bring members of Amphibious Squadron 6 and Tactical Air Control Squadron 21 on board with the help of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 28.
"Like most Navy ships, the crew of the Nassau is constantly training for various missions, and doing disaster relief is something we think about a lot and plays on the various skills of an amphibious warfare ship," said Nassau Commanding Officer Capt. James R. Boorujy.
"We do a lot of flight operations, we do a lot of boat operations, and those are the kinds of things that we need to do to assist our fellow countrymen with disaster relief."
Because of the extensive and continuous training the Nassau crew has received, the ship quickly and efficiently integrated new support elements while in transit and completed the trip at best speed to the Gulf Coast. The Nassau maintained readiness at sea in order to quickly respond if called upon by civil authorities.
"We work great with the amphibious squadron and embarked detachments. That's a core capability of amphibious ships, we do that all the time. We have a boat detachment, landing craft, helicopter detachment, and we frequently have them aboard," Boorujy said.
"We work very closely with the commodore. We have several meetings a day with him. He is in frequent communication with Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet; they know exactly what we're ready to do. We're ready for this mission, and if we're needed we're ready to go in as soon as possible."
Nassau brings with it diverse assets and capabilities, including two MH-60S Nighthawk search and rescue helicopters, four landing craft utility, a beachmaster unit, a disaster relief team, a fleet surgical team, and a significant amount of water, food and other emergency relief supplies. The ship is also equipped with a 300-bed hospital, four medical operating rooms and three dental operating rooms.
Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Toni Killian guides an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter to land on the flight deck of the amphibious transport dock ship USS Nassau (LHA 4). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Amanda Clayton/Released)Amphibious assault ship USS Nassau (LHA 4) has been directed to take station off Galveston Island to provide maritime emergency response assistance to citizens affected by Hurricane Ike made landfall Sept. 13 and to assist responders supporting local citizens.
Nassau was already at sea conducting routine operations when Hurricane Ike struck the Texas coast. Nassau was first directed south to operate off the Florida coast and then received orders to move into the Gulf of Mexico.
Nassau traveled more than 1,500 nautical miles in three days, stopping only to bring members of Amphibious Squadron 6 and Tactical Air Control Squadron 21 on board with the help of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 28.
"Like most Navy ships, the crew of the Nassau is constantly training for various missions, and doing disaster relief is something we think about a lot and plays on the various skills of an amphibious warfare ship," said Nassau Commanding Officer Capt. James R. Boorujy.
"We do a lot of flight operations, we do a lot of boat operations, and those are the kinds of things that we need to do to assist our fellow countrymen with disaster relief."
Because of the extensive and continuous training the Nassau crew has received, the ship quickly and efficiently integrated new support elements while in transit and completed the trip at best speed to the Gulf Coast. The Nassau maintained readiness at sea in order to quickly respond if called upon by civil authorities.
"We work great with the amphibious squadron and embarked detachments. That's a core capability of amphibious ships, we do that all the time. We have a boat detachment, landing craft, helicopter detachment, and we frequently have them aboard," Boorujy said.
"We work very closely with the commodore. We have several meetings a day with him. He is in frequent communication with Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet; they know exactly what we're ready to do. We're ready for this mission, and if we're needed we're ready to go in as soon as possible."
Nassau brings with it diverse assets and capabilities, including two MH-60S Nighthawk search and rescue helicopters, four landing craft utility, a beachmaster unit, a disaster relief team, a fleet surgical team, and a significant amount of water, food and other emergency relief supplies. The ship is also equipped with a 300-bed hospital, four medical operating rooms and three dental operating rooms.
Monday, September 15, 2008
USS Nassau Proceeds to Gulf of Mexico in Ike's Wake
The amphibious assault ship USS Nassau (LHA 4), was directed to proceed to the Gulf of Mexico Sept. 13 and take station off the Texas coast, prepared to render support to civil authorities in the wake of Hurricane Ike as needed.
Three ships, Nassau, USS Ponce (LPD 15), and USS Bataan (LHD 5), were ordered Sept. 12 to increase readiness for possible disaster response support.
Nassau was already at sea conducting routine operations, and was first directed south to operate off the Florida coast before receiving orders to move into the Gulf of Mexico.
The amphibious transport dock Ponce will get underway Sept. 14. The amphibious assault ship Bataan has been ordered to remain in a prepared-to-deploy status, ready to get underway within 24 hours, if needed.
Although there has been no specific tasking for these three ships, their at-sea readiness provides options for Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Commander, U.S. Joint Forces Command and Commander, U.S. Northern Command.
Ponce Underway, Demonstrating Readiness to Respond
The amphibious transport dock ship USS Ponce (LPD 15) pulls away from the pier at Naval Station Norfolk. Ponce will be on station in the Gulf of Mexico if needed to provide assistance to civilian authorities in the wake of Hurricane Ike. The storm stuck the Texas Gulf Coast Saturday, Sept. 13 as a major hurricane, causing major flooding and leaving millions without power. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Lolita Lewis/Released)The amphibious transport dock ship USS Ponce (LPD 15) got underway Sept. 14 from Naval Station Norfolk, to demonstrate operational readiness at sea.
Ponce is conducting routine training operations off the Virginia coast, and is capable of providing disaster response and of rendering assistance to civil authorities, if called upon to perform this mission.
Three ships, USS Nassau (LHA 4), Ponce, and USS Bataan (LHD 5), were ordered Sept. 12 to increase readiness for possible disaster response support.
Nassau was already at sea conducting routine operations, and was first directed south to operate off the Florida coast before receiving orders to move into the Gulf of Mexico.
The amphibious assault ship Bataan has been ordered to remain in a prepared-to-deploy status, ready to get underway within 24 hours, if needed.
Although there has been no specific tasking for these three ships, their at-sea readiness provides options for Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Commander, U.S. Joint Forces Command and Commander, U.S. Northern Command.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Ike Information Sites
The Red Cross has set up a web site for people hit by Ike to let friends and family know they're safe and well. The Navy and Army have also set up accountability web sites.
Joint Task Force 129 Airmen Rescue Civilians Stranded in Galveston
By Air National Guard Capt. Alyson Teeter American Forces Press Service
Joint Task Force 129 crew, Jolly 92, lands in a tight space between houses to rescue an adult male in Galveston, Texas, Sept. 12, 2008. The California Air National Guard crew of Jolly 92 rescued six civilians and pets stranded in Galveston. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Wally Bacio
MOFFETT FEDERAL AIRFIELD, Calif. - California Air National Guardsmen from the 129th Rescue Wing rescued eight people yesterday in Galveston, Texas. The air guardsmen deployed to Kelly Field in San Antonio for Hurricane Ike search and rescue support operations.
A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter on search and rescue patrol spotted unevacuated civilians waving from a bridge on the Bolivar Peninsula near Galveston. Flooding conditions due to Hurricane Ike severed an access road onto the peninsula and the civilians were stranded. U.S. Coast Guard and Texas Army National Guard helicopters picked up about 30 people.
Soon after the bridge rescues, a Coast Guard helicopter and four Joint Task Force 129 helicopters, including two 129th RQW HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters and pararescuemen, arrived on scene to assist.
During the aerial reconnaissance the crews found no one else on the bridge because it was under water, said Maj. Matthew Thomas, 129th Rescue Wing pilot and co-pilot for Jolly 92.
The Coast Guard then dispatched the JTF 129 helicopters to a home nearby on the northeast side of Galveston. The house was flooding and a call for help had been made to the Coast Guard. According to Thomas, the stranded civilians had called their relatives in Illinois for help. The relatives then called the Coast Guard.
The Pave Hawk, Jolly 92, landed in a small grassy area and pararescuemen, also known as PJs, went to the house to rescue the four stranded civilians. "The area where we landed was under water 10 minutes later," Thomas said.
A second JTF 129 helicopter, Jolly 91, was hovering nearby during the rescue, and the sound of the helicopter prompted additional unevacuated civilians to leave their homes, said Capt. Brian Finnerty, 129th Rescue Wing pilot and flight lead for Jolly 91.
Two PJs rappelled from Jolly 91 and attempted to convince civilians that they needed to evacuate. Some civilians refused to leave and opted to stay in their homes, Finnerty said. The PJs hoisted two people and two dogs into the Pave Hawk, and the crew eventually dropped them off at Ellington Field in Houston.
While Jolly 91 picked up the two civilians, Jolly 92 was hovering nearby with the family of four. The crew picked up two more people and pets. The crews spotted one man with a spotlight - his house was surrounded by water. The PJs hoisted the man up in to the helicopter.
Jolly 92 headed to Ellington Field with the six rescued civilians and pets. The helicopters then returned to Kelly Field. "Winds at that point were at 60 knots and visibility was low - it was time for us to go," Thomas said.
Overall, four Air National Guard Pave Hawks and JTF 129 personnel saved 15 adults, one child, and four dogs.
Joint Task Force 129 is a self-contained search and rescue unit comprised of more than 100 people, including highly trained pararescuemen, four HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopters, and two MC-130P Combat Shadow tankers. Air National Guardsmen from the 176th Wing, Kulis Air National Guard Base, Ala., are also part of the rescue task force.
As an Air National Guard unit, many of the 129th's past missions involved supporting state emergencies that included earthquakes, chemical spills, fires and floods. Equipped with MC-130P Combat Shadow tankers and HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopters, the 129th has performed a wide variety of civilian search and rescue missions, including distressed persons aboard ships, lost or injured hikers, and medical evacuations.
Joint Task Force 129 crew, Jolly 92, lands in a tight space between houses to rescue an adult male in Galveston, Texas, Sept. 12, 2008. The California Air National Guard crew of Jolly 92 rescued six civilians and pets stranded in Galveston. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Wally Bacio
MOFFETT FEDERAL AIRFIELD, Calif. - California Air National Guardsmen from the 129th Rescue Wing rescued eight people yesterday in Galveston, Texas. The air guardsmen deployed to Kelly Field in San Antonio for Hurricane Ike search and rescue support operations.
A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter on search and rescue patrol spotted unevacuated civilians waving from a bridge on the Bolivar Peninsula near Galveston. Flooding conditions due to Hurricane Ike severed an access road onto the peninsula and the civilians were stranded. U.S. Coast Guard and Texas Army National Guard helicopters picked up about 30 people.
Soon after the bridge rescues, a Coast Guard helicopter and four Joint Task Force 129 helicopters, including two 129th RQW HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters and pararescuemen, arrived on scene to assist.
During the aerial reconnaissance the crews found no one else on the bridge because it was under water, said Maj. Matthew Thomas, 129th Rescue Wing pilot and co-pilot for Jolly 92.
The Coast Guard then dispatched the JTF 129 helicopters to a home nearby on the northeast side of Galveston. The house was flooding and a call for help had been made to the Coast Guard. According to Thomas, the stranded civilians had called their relatives in Illinois for help. The relatives then called the Coast Guard.
The Pave Hawk, Jolly 92, landed in a small grassy area and pararescuemen, also known as PJs, went to the house to rescue the four stranded civilians. "The area where we landed was under water 10 minutes later," Thomas said.
A second JTF 129 helicopter, Jolly 91, was hovering nearby during the rescue, and the sound of the helicopter prompted additional unevacuated civilians to leave their homes, said Capt. Brian Finnerty, 129th Rescue Wing pilot and flight lead for Jolly 91.
Two PJs rappelled from Jolly 91 and attempted to convince civilians that they needed to evacuate. Some civilians refused to leave and opted to stay in their homes, Finnerty said. The PJs hoisted two people and two dogs into the Pave Hawk, and the crew eventually dropped them off at Ellington Field in Houston.
While Jolly 91 picked up the two civilians, Jolly 92 was hovering nearby with the family of four. The crew picked up two more people and pets. The crews spotted one man with a spotlight - his house was surrounded by water. The PJs hoisted the man up in to the helicopter.
Jolly 92 headed to Ellington Field with the six rescued civilians and pets. The helicopters then returned to Kelly Field. "Winds at that point were at 60 knots and visibility was low - it was time for us to go," Thomas said.
Overall, four Air National Guard Pave Hawks and JTF 129 personnel saved 15 adults, one child, and four dogs.
Joint Task Force 129 is a self-contained search and rescue unit comprised of more than 100 people, including highly trained pararescuemen, four HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopters, and two MC-130P Combat Shadow tankers. Air National Guardsmen from the 176th Wing, Kulis Air National Guard Base, Ala., are also part of the rescue task force.
As an Air National Guard unit, many of the 129th's past missions involved supporting state emergencies that included earthquakes, chemical spills, fires and floods. Equipped with MC-130P Combat Shadow tankers and HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopters, the 129th has performed a wide variety of civilian search and rescue missions, including distressed persons aboard ships, lost or injured hikers, and medical evacuations.
Picking up the Pace
The Pentagon Channel's Sgt Ted MacDonald reports the pace of operations is beginning to pick up at the Texas National Guard's Joint Operations Center in Austin, TX.
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
AFNORTH Readies For More Tropical Weather
by Master Sgt. Brian S. Orban, 1st Air Force (AFNORTH/CONR) Public Affairs
While the remnants of Hurricane Gustav and Tropical Storm Hanna soaked the Gulf and East coasts this week emergency response forces, assigned to Air Forces Northern here, remain poised to react as Hurricane Ike inches its way toward the Florida Keys and possibly the Gulf of Mexico.
AFNORTH and additional military personnel, aircraft and equipment previously moved to forward staging points across the southeastern United States, remain on around-the-clock alert as they monitor the path and intensity of Ike as it makes its way east towards the continental United States.
“Having our forces prepositioned is the right thing to do,” said Col. David Kriner, 601st Air and Space Operations Center commander, as he highlighted preparations taken days before Hurricane Gustav made landfall last week. “It’s better to have a little too many people and assets prepositioned and ready to respond immediately after the storm passes versus not having enough,” he added.
A ‘home’ for military subject matter experts on air mobility, satellite operations, imagery collection and search and rescue, the 601st AOC - commonly known as “America’s AOC” - continues to review damage caused by Gustav and Hanna while keeping an eye on inbound storms. A large-screen monitor in its Current Operations Center displays live video shot by manned and unmanned observation aircraft over the affected areas to give military and civil response agencies an immediate look at areas hardest hit by the storm.
According to Colonel Kriner, lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina in 2005 drove the need for beefing up the operations center. In the days before Hurricane Gustav, the center brought in roughly 60 additional subject matter experts, ready to immediately respond to significant events before and after a major storm.
“When a hurricane approaches, time is against us,” Colonel Kriner said.
Among the people moved to various staging areas for these major storms include members of AFNORTH’s Air Component Coordination Element, or ACCE. During natural disasters or other contingencies, these people serve in a command and control function to coordinate the movement of needed Air Force assets into stricken regions, support state and federal evacuation, humanitarian relief and search and rescue missions.
To brace for Tropical Storm Hanna’s sweep across the East Coast, AFNORTH moved a 12-person ACCE team to Louisiana, with other teams already in position before Gustav hit Louisiana.
“We had an ACCE deployed with Army North ‘s operational command post in Alexandria, La.,” said Col. John Colombo, director of AFNORTH air, space and information operations, as he outlined plans for Tropical Storm Hanna. “The ACCE is the [Army] command post’s immediate tie in to the capabilities that reside here at Tyndall AFB. They are able to reach back here to the staff where we help meet the requirements real time [to] provide them the best support for national, state and local responders to offer to the citizens affected by these storms.”
“What we did here during Gustav has set the stage for Hannah, Ike and the next storms down the line,” Colonel Colombo said. AFNORTH personnel opened lines of communication with their military and civilian emergency response counterparts as its people move into a familiar “battle rhythm” to maintain continuous operations over the next couple of weeks, he added.
In addition to immediate command and control support on the ground, AFNORTH deployed dozens of Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officers, or EPLOs, to prepare for the next storms. These teams of Reservists respond to requests from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help local and state emergency relief agencies needing immediate military assistance.
In the case of Gustav, 40 of these senior officers used their expertise in military airlift, logistics and medical and security operations to help state and federal agencies in Louisiana evacuate more than 7,000 civilians, including about 700 critically ill patients, before it made landfall Sept. 1.
“In only 24 hours after Gustav hit ... there was no need for search and rescue,” said Col. Michael Hare, AFNORTH National Security Emergency Preparedness director, who oversees 75 EPLOs . “The reason is because we got [people] out of town. It was a total team effort. Everything that needed to happen did happen. We were ready to conduct day and night operations in nearly all weather [conditions], but thankfully it was not needed this time.”
With Hurricane Ike closing in on the United States, EPLOs and other AFNORTH elements remain on the move to position themselves to act should the storm strengthen and provide a more potent punch.
“When we put on this uniform and come to work, we bring with us the credibility and responsibility associated with the Air Force,” Colonel Hare said.
While the remnants of Hurricane Gustav and Tropical Storm Hanna soaked the Gulf and East coasts this week emergency response forces, assigned to Air Forces Northern here, remain poised to react as Hurricane Ike inches its way toward the Florida Keys and possibly the Gulf of Mexico. AFNORTH and additional military personnel, aircraft and equipment previously moved to forward staging points across the southeastern United States, remain on around-the-clock alert as they monitor the path and intensity of Ike as it makes its way east towards the continental United States.
“Having our forces prepositioned is the right thing to do,” said Col. David Kriner, 601st Air and Space Operations Center commander, as he highlighted preparations taken days before Hurricane Gustav made landfall last week. “It’s better to have a little too many people and assets prepositioned and ready to respond immediately after the storm passes versus not having enough,” he added.
A ‘home’ for military subject matter experts on air mobility, satellite operations, imagery collection and search and rescue, the 601st AOC - commonly known as “America’s AOC” - continues to review damage caused by Gustav and Hanna while keeping an eye on inbound storms. A large-screen monitor in its Current Operations Center displays live video shot by manned and unmanned observation aircraft over the affected areas to give military and civil response agencies an immediate look at areas hardest hit by the storm.
According to Colonel Kriner, lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina in 2005 drove the need for beefing up the operations center. In the days before Hurricane Gustav, the center brought in roughly 60 additional subject matter experts, ready to immediately respond to significant events before and after a major storm.
“When a hurricane approaches, time is against us,” Colonel Kriner said.
Among the people moved to various staging areas for these major storms include members of AFNORTH’s Air Component Coordination Element, or ACCE. During natural disasters or other contingencies, these people serve in a command and control function to coordinate the movement of needed Air Force assets into stricken regions, support state and federal evacuation, humanitarian relief and search and rescue missions.
To brace for Tropical Storm Hanna’s sweep across the East Coast, AFNORTH moved a 12-person ACCE team to Louisiana, with other teams already in position before Gustav hit Louisiana.
“We had an ACCE deployed with Army North ‘s operational command post in Alexandria, La.,” said Col. John Colombo, director of AFNORTH air, space and information operations, as he outlined plans for Tropical Storm Hanna. “The ACCE is the [Army] command post’s immediate tie in to the capabilities that reside here at Tyndall AFB. They are able to reach back here to the staff where we help meet the requirements real time [to] provide them the best support for national, state and local responders to offer to the citizens affected by these storms.”
“What we did here during Gustav has set the stage for Hannah, Ike and the next storms down the line,” Colonel Colombo said. AFNORTH personnel opened lines of communication with their military and civilian emergency response counterparts as its people move into a familiar “battle rhythm” to maintain continuous operations over the next couple of weeks, he added.
In addition to immediate command and control support on the ground, AFNORTH deployed dozens of Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officers, or EPLOs, to prepare for the next storms. These teams of Reservists respond to requests from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help local and state emergency relief agencies needing immediate military assistance.
In the case of Gustav, 40 of these senior officers used their expertise in military airlift, logistics and medical and security operations to help state and federal agencies in Louisiana evacuate more than 7,000 civilians, including about 700 critically ill patients, before it made landfall Sept. 1.
“In only 24 hours after Gustav hit ... there was no need for search and rescue,” said Col. Michael Hare, AFNORTH National Security Emergency Preparedness director, who oversees 75 EPLOs . “The reason is because we got [people] out of town. It was a total team effort. Everything that needed to happen did happen. We were ready to conduct day and night operations in nearly all weather [conditions], but thankfully it was not needed this time.”
With Hurricane Ike closing in on the United States, EPLOs and other AFNORTH elements remain on the move to position themselves to act should the storm strengthen and provide a more potent punch.
“When we put on this uniform and come to work, we bring with us the credibility and responsibility associated with the Air Force,” Colonel Hare said.
Monday, September 01, 2008
Reserve teams answer calls for help
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (AFPN) -- More than 300 Gulf Coast patients were able to breathe a sigh of relief Sep. 1 thanks to Air Force Reserve aeromedical crews as Hurricane Gustav slammed into Terrebonne Bay, La., just west of New Orleans, at about 10:30 EST.
Because more than 50 air evacuation flights had carried them to safety, the area's hospital and nursing home patients were able to escape the storm's wrath by traveling through staging areas in Beaumont, Texas, and Lake Charles and Lakefront, La.
"Federal response efforts identified these three aeromedical patient staging areas," said Col. Mike Dankosky, aeromedical evacuation program manager for Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command here. "Over the past 48 hours, regular Air Force, Reserve and Air National Guard aeromedical forces provided immediate capability to transport 100 percent of those medical patients identified for movement by Louisiana state officials."
Before the hurricane made landfall, patients were safely transported under medical supervision to various predetermined medical treatment facilities away from the storm's path. AFRC provides more than 60 percent of the Air Force's aeromedical evacuation capability.
"Days before federal requests for assistance and command taskings were received in support of Hurricane Gustav relief and rescue efforts, an overwhelming volunteer response began to build," said Colonel Dankosky. "Aeromedical crews and operational support personnel from the majority of AFRC's 18 aeromedical evacuation squadrons volunteered."
Due to operational and airlift sourcing considerations, Reservists were sourced from only eight squadrons: 34th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo.; 433rd AES, Lackland AFB, Texas; 439th AES, Westover Air Reserve Base, Mass.; 445th AES, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio; 514th AES, McGuire AFB, N.J.; 908th AES, Maxwell AFB, Ala.; 911th AES, Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Pa.; and 932nd AES, Scott AFB, Ill.
The command is providing C-5 Galaxy cargo aircraft support from the 433rd AW at Lackland AFB and 439th AW at Westover ARB. With nearly 50 percent of the Air Force's strategic airlift capability, the command is able to support the relief efforts with more aircraft and crews if required.
Rescue helicopters and crews from the 920th Rescue Wing at Patrick AFB, Fla., and 305th Rescue Squadron at Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., are positioning to Ellington Field in Houston and to Jackson, Miss. As the storm passes through, the rescue teams are ready to assist as needed. AFRC provides 23 percent of the Air Force's total rescue capability.
"Air Force reservists were the first Air Force rescue crews into New Orleans after (Hurricane) Katrina," said Lt. Col. Julio Lopez, combat search and rescue program manager for the command. "Our crews are eager to get in there and help as soon as possible. In fact, it's difficult to hold them back."
Prior to the hurricane making landfall, AFRC's Hurricane Hunters flew in and out of the storm as it formed and moved toward the Gulf Coast. Based out of Keesler AFB, Miss., the 403d Wing flies special WC-130J aircraft and represents the only Air Force weather reconnaissance capability.
Because more than 50 air evacuation flights had carried them to safety, the area's hospital and nursing home patients were able to escape the storm's wrath by traveling through staging areas in Beaumont, Texas, and Lake Charles and Lakefront, La.
"Federal response efforts identified these three aeromedical patient staging areas," said Col. Mike Dankosky, aeromedical evacuation program manager for Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command here. "Over the past 48 hours, regular Air Force, Reserve and Air National Guard aeromedical forces provided immediate capability to transport 100 percent of those medical patients identified for movement by Louisiana state officials."
Before the hurricane made landfall, patients were safely transported under medical supervision to various predetermined medical treatment facilities away from the storm's path. AFRC provides more than 60 percent of the Air Force's aeromedical evacuation capability.
"Days before federal requests for assistance and command taskings were received in support of Hurricane Gustav relief and rescue efforts, an overwhelming volunteer response began to build," said Colonel Dankosky. "Aeromedical crews and operational support personnel from the majority of AFRC's 18 aeromedical evacuation squadrons volunteered."
Due to operational and airlift sourcing considerations, Reservists were sourced from only eight squadrons: 34th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo.; 433rd AES, Lackland AFB, Texas; 439th AES, Westover Air Reserve Base, Mass.; 445th AES, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio; 514th AES, McGuire AFB, N.J.; 908th AES, Maxwell AFB, Ala.; 911th AES, Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station, Pa.; and 932nd AES, Scott AFB, Ill.
The command is providing C-5 Galaxy cargo aircraft support from the 433rd AW at Lackland AFB and 439th AW at Westover ARB. With nearly 50 percent of the Air Force's strategic airlift capability, the command is able to support the relief efforts with more aircraft and crews if required.
Rescue helicopters and crews from the 920th Rescue Wing at Patrick AFB, Fla., and 305th Rescue Squadron at Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., are positioning to Ellington Field in Houston and to Jackson, Miss. As the storm passes through, the rescue teams are ready to assist as needed. AFRC provides 23 percent of the Air Force's total rescue capability.
"Air Force reservists were the first Air Force rescue crews into New Orleans after (Hurricane) Katrina," said Lt. Col. Julio Lopez, combat search and rescue program manager for the command. "Our crews are eager to get in there and help as soon as possible. In fact, it's difficult to hold them back."
Prior to the hurricane making landfall, AFRC's Hurricane Hunters flew in and out of the storm as it formed and moved toward the Gulf Coast. Based out of Keesler AFB, Miss., the 403d Wing flies special WC-130J aircraft and represents the only Air Force weather reconnaissance capability.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Military better prepared than ever for disaster relief
by John J. Kruzel, American Forces Press Service
The Defense Department and U.S. military are better prepared than ever to aid disaster-relief efforts, and have improved measures for tracking military families affected by catastrophe, a top Pentagon official here said May 21.
Among other services, department entities are poised to assist with evacuations, emergency transportation and search-and-rescue missions as the nation braces for the hurricane season that starts June 1, said Paul McHale, the assistant secretary of defense for Homeland Defense and Americas' security affairs.
"Today, the Department of Defense -- active, Reserve and National Guard -- is better prepared to assist civil authorities than at any other time in our nation's history," Mr. McHale said at a Hurricane Awareness Day news conference at the Federal Emergency Management Agency here.
The department understands its role in catastrophic relief and has worked with FEMA to put in place a wide range of missions to support a national response, Mr. McHale said. In the event of disaster, the Pentagon is prepared to coordinate FEMA logistics on military bases, to deploy emergency communications rapidly, and to deliver ready-made meals, water and power generators.
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff praised the increased role the Defense Department has assumed over recent years.
"(The people of the Defense Department) have been phenomenal partners over the last couple of years and have become really fully integrated with our planning system and our approach in a way that was not the case previously," he said.
Pentagon officials have more closely integrated its planning with the National Guard Bureau, U.S. Northern Command, and state adjutants general, Mr. McHale said. Guardsmen are ready to deploy to Gulf Coast and East Coast states -- where hurricanes are most likely to hit -- and military forces are prepared to protect constitutional rights and provide law enforcement if either system breaks down in the wake of a disaster.
"Our men and women in military uniform are well prepared to provide substantial life-saving assistance to FEMA," Mr. McHale said. "And with a sense of urgency, we will do so if called upon during the 2008 hurricane season."
DOD officials also are working with the U.S. Northern Command staff to implement a system to track and account for troops and military families evacuated or displaced as a result of natural or man-made calamity. The effort has been spurred on by the chaos that occurred in the wake of Hurricane Katrina in August 2005, Mr. McHale said.
"A number of days passed before we had full accountability for all military personnel and their family members," Mr. McHale said of the post-Katrina confusion. "(With the new system,) we will know who's safe and perhaps who is in jeopardy."
The Defense Department and U.S. military are better prepared than ever to aid disaster-relief efforts, and have improved measures for tracking military families affected by catastrophe, a top Pentagon official here said May 21.
Among other services, department entities are poised to assist with evacuations, emergency transportation and search-and-rescue missions as the nation braces for the hurricane season that starts June 1, said Paul McHale, the assistant secretary of defense for Homeland Defense and Americas' security affairs.
"Today, the Department of Defense -- active, Reserve and National Guard -- is better prepared to assist civil authorities than at any other time in our nation's history," Mr. McHale said at a Hurricane Awareness Day news conference at the Federal Emergency Management Agency here.
The department understands its role in catastrophic relief and has worked with FEMA to put in place a wide range of missions to support a national response, Mr. McHale said. In the event of disaster, the Pentagon is prepared to coordinate FEMA logistics on military bases, to deploy emergency communications rapidly, and to deliver ready-made meals, water and power generators.
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff praised the increased role the Defense Department has assumed over recent years.
"(The people of the Defense Department) have been phenomenal partners over the last couple of years and have become really fully integrated with our planning system and our approach in a way that was not the case previously," he said.
Pentagon officials have more closely integrated its planning with the National Guard Bureau, U.S. Northern Command, and state adjutants general, Mr. McHale said. Guardsmen are ready to deploy to Gulf Coast and East Coast states -- where hurricanes are most likely to hit -- and military forces are prepared to protect constitutional rights and provide law enforcement if either system breaks down in the wake of a disaster.
"Our men and women in military uniform are well prepared to provide substantial life-saving assistance to FEMA," Mr. McHale said. "And with a sense of urgency, we will do so if called upon during the 2008 hurricane season."
DOD officials also are working with the U.S. Northern Command staff to implement a system to track and account for troops and military families evacuated or displaced as a result of natural or man-made calamity. The effort has been spurred on by the chaos that occurred in the wake of Hurricane Katrina in August 2005, Mr. McHale said.
"A number of days passed before we had full accountability for all military personnel and their family members," Mr. McHale said of the post-Katrina confusion. "(With the new system,) we will know who's safe and perhaps who is in jeopardy."
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
JTF-Bravo deploys to support Tropical Storm Noel relief
by 1st Lt. Erika Yepsen, Joint Task Force-Bravo Public Affairs
Soldiers and Airmen from Joint Task Force-Bravo here position a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter for loading onto a C-5 Galaxy from the New York Air National Guard. A team of 19 Airmen and Soldiers and two helicopters from Joint Task Force-Bravo departed here Nov. 5 heading for the Dominican Republic to assist with recovery efforts in the wake of Tropical Storm Noel. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Austin M. May)
SOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras (AFPN) -- A team of 19 Airmen and Soldiers and two helicopters from Joint Task Force Bravo departed here Nov. 5 heading for the Dominican Republic to assist with recovery efforts in the wake of Tropical Storm Noel.
The 19 servicemembers and two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters were loaded on a C-5 Galaxy from the New York Air National Guard this morning and will arrive in the Dominican Republic later today.
"We'll be doing search and rescue missions," said Army Sgt. Jose Burgos-Mercado, one of the Joint Task Force Bravo Soldiers deploying to the Dominican Republic. The 19 member team from Joint Task Force Bravo consists mostly of aircrew and search and rescue team members.
There are a lot of people still missing, so we'll help look for them and move relief supplies, Sergeant Burgos said.
"It feels really good to be a part of this, making a difference in people's lives," said Capt. Kevin Brathwaite, New York Air National Guard, one of the C-5 aircrew members. The aircrew was in Rota, Spain, scheduled to operate in Southwest Asia when they received the call they were to come to Honduras to assist with tropical storm relief efforts.
Capt. Jason Siebert of the West Virginia Air National Guard was flying with the New York Airmen on his first C-5 overseas training mission.
"I've gotten to see almost the whole world in one trip," said Captain Siebert about his unique training mission. "But when you get the chance to do something humanitarian, you do it, that's why we're here."
Soldiers and Airmen from Joint Task Force-Bravo here position a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter for loading onto a C-5 Galaxy from the New York Air National Guard. A team of 19 Airmen and Soldiers and two helicopters from Joint Task Force-Bravo departed here Nov. 5 heading for the Dominican Republic to assist with recovery efforts in the wake of Tropical Storm Noel. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Austin M. May) SOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras (AFPN) -- A team of 19 Airmen and Soldiers and two helicopters from Joint Task Force Bravo departed here Nov. 5 heading for the Dominican Republic to assist with recovery efforts in the wake of Tropical Storm Noel.
The 19 servicemembers and two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters were loaded on a C-5 Galaxy from the New York Air National Guard this morning and will arrive in the Dominican Republic later today.
"We'll be doing search and rescue missions," said Army Sgt. Jose Burgos-Mercado, one of the Joint Task Force Bravo Soldiers deploying to the Dominican Republic. The 19 member team from Joint Task Force Bravo consists mostly of aircrew and search and rescue team members.
There are a lot of people still missing, so we'll help look for them and move relief supplies, Sergeant Burgos said.
"It feels really good to be a part of this, making a difference in people's lives," said Capt. Kevin Brathwaite, New York Air National Guard, one of the C-5 aircrew members. The aircrew was in Rota, Spain, scheduled to operate in Southwest Asia when they received the call they were to come to Honduras to assist with tropical storm relief efforts.
Capt. Jason Siebert of the West Virginia Air National Guard was flying with the New York Airmen on his first C-5 overseas training mission.
"I've gotten to see almost the whole world in one trip," said Captain Siebert about his unique training mission. "But when you get the chance to do something humanitarian, you do it, that's why we're here."
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