News>U.S. NORTHCOM aids Oklahoma tornado disaster relief efforts
Photos
Oklahoma National Guard soldiers and airmen respond to a devastating tornado that ripped through Moore, Okla., May 20, 2013. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Kendall James)
5/22/2013 - PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. (AFNS) -- U.S. Northern Command officials are coordinating Department of Defense-provided support to the Federal Emergency Management Agency and state and local response activities in response to tornado-devastated areas in Oklahoma.
Currently, there are two NORTHCOM mission assignments approved in support of disaster operations.
The command has activated the Region VI Defense Coordinating Officer, and the Defense Coordinating Element to Moore, Okla., to validate, plan and coordinate potential DOD support of FEMA's disaster response operations and to facilitate DOD's support of potential life-saving and response operations. DOD will provide regional knowledge, requirements validation, and liaison support to the affected areas.
NORTHCOM also has deployed search-and-rescue coordinators as part of the Federal Search and Rescue Coordination Group. The FSARCG will provide search-and-rescue coordination and planning to Moore, Okla.
NORTHCOM, based here, is the joint combatant command formed in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks to provide homeland defense and defense support of civil authorities.
Supporting FEMA and state and local response to the Oklahoma tornado-damaged communities, NORTHCOM is preparing for continued rescue and recovery needs as they are requested.
