Northcom Chief Relays Mattis Message: ‘Texas Gets Everything They Need’ by Cheryl Pellerin
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott led the update on the Category 4 hurricane that since Aug. 27 has devastated southeastern Texas, and he summarized the Federal Emergency Management Agency-led and ongoing rescue and restoration operations there, before introducing Air Force Gen. Lori J. Robinson.
On behalf of Mattis, Joint Chiefs Chairman Marine Corps Gen. Joe Dunford and the men and women of the armed forces, Robinson expressed hope for the people affected by the storm. “I would like to offer our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to all of those who have been affected by Hurricane Harvey,” she said.
In her role as Northcom commander, the general said, she is responsible for deploying active duty soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines to support FEMA and state requests for assistance to local, county, state and federal civil authorities in devastating times.
“When disasters of this magnitude strike, a whole-of-government response is necessary, and DoD is a part of all of that,” Robinson said.
Right Capability, Right Time
The military has learned over time how important it is to have the right capability at the right place at the right time to support the needs of citizens, the general said. “Our military has unique capabilities to support disaster relief, and those same capabilities that make our armed forces so effective in combat make our forces uniquely effective in disaster relief efforts, she added. “We have been and we will continue to deploy any and all capabilities requested by FEMA and [the state of Texas].”
Robinson said she had a conversation yesterday with Mattis. “He made the comment to me: ‘Lori, Texas gets everything they need, and we’ll get it there as fast as we can,'” she said.
Military Contribution
“I’m so proud of the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines that have deployed in the affected area and that will continue to deploy as long as requested and needed,” Robinson said, and she summarized the military contribution so far to the affected areas in Texas:
— The Army has provided 200 high-water vehicles to support the Red Cross in the moving personnel and patients. Army helicopters with hoisting capability are helping to rescue and transport survivors, and the Army is overseeing the receipt and issue of life-support items.
— The Air Force is providing strategic airlift, fixed-wing airlift, medical evacuation, airborne command and control, and helicopters to transport people and supplies.
— Navy amphibious ships USS Kearsarge and USS Oak Hill, along with Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, are en route to Texas should the state need them.
— The Defense Logistics Agency has provided fuel, sandbags, generators and incident-support bases and is delivering meals to dislocated citizens.
— The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has deployed experts to the state and to FEMA, and response nodes to help provide technical assistance with power restoration.
These are just a few things the men and women in uniform are doing to help with the larger relief effort, Robinson said. “We are committed to assist local, state and federal agencies throughout this trying time for our nation,” the general added.
Robinson also thanked the governor and other officials involved in overseeing the response for their leadership. “We look forward,” she said, “and we will be there — steady, ready and to support at a moment’s notice.”
(Follow Cheryl Pellerin on Twitter @PellerinDoDNews)