Coordinating The Flow Of Relief Supplies To Port-au-Prince
The Florida Air National Guard's
101st Air and Space Operations Group here is paving the way for air
operations in the emergency response to Haiti. Florida Guardsmen
have been working to assist the Haitian government, FAA, and U.S.
Southern Command in coordinating the flow of supplies into Haiti's
Port-au-Prince Airport since January 15.
The Florida Air Operations Group used its unique capabilities to
establish the Haitian Flight Operations Coordination Center while
operating from its center at Tyndall Air Force Base, FL.
The model for the coordination center was developed after
Hurricane Katrina to smooth the flow of relief supplies into a
disaster area.
"We are supporting the AFsouth Air Operations Center, the air
component of U.S. Southern Command, 24/7 to provide this
capability," said Air Force Col. Randall Spear, the AOG commander.
"Supplies from around the world are now flowing into Haiti as a
direct result of this effort."
"Previously, aircraft flowing into Haiti had a gridlock of
several hours because there was no place to park or unload
aircraft," Lt. Col. Brad Graff, director of the coordination center
and chief of the 601st Air Mobility Division, said. "Now relief
supplies - medical, water, and food - are steadily flowing into
Haiti."
People from all over the world are talking with the Florida
airmen to get a slot time on the ramp, Spear said, adding that
Haitian authorities are only allowing landings from those with a
slot time with the coordination center. The Haitian authorities
dictate their priorities and needs to the coordination center
through Southcom.
Florida Guardsmen also are assisting with the flow of air cargo
into Homestead Air Reserve Base. They may pick up additional
missions in other areas in order to maximize airlift to
quake-ravaged Haiti.
"I am extremely proud of the professionalism of our Florida
Guardsmen at the 101st AOG as well as the active duty airmen
working beside them around-the-clock to ensure the protection of
our homeland," said Air Force Maj. Gen. Douglas Burnett, Florida's
adjutant general. "They are able to take their daily, superb skills
and rise to new heights to ensure an effective air response to a
critical situation in Haiti."
Working in Florida, and particularly being Florida Guardsmen,
the 101st AOG is experienced with natural disasters, enabling them
to expedite the flow of critical resources into the area. "We have
become the experts in contingency response and planning when it
comes to employing air support in disasters," Spear said.
ANN Salutes Lt. Col. Ron Tittle serving with the Florida
National Guard public affairs.