Airmen poised to support humanitarian operations in N.D.

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Justin Brockhoff
  • 618th Tanker Airlift Control Center Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (AFNS) --  Air Mobility Command officials here are poised to support humanitarian relief operations in response to record-setting floods that have forced hundreds of North Dakota residents to evacuate their homes.

The 618th Tanker Airlift Control Center staff -- AMC's hub for global airlift, air refueling and aeromedical evacuation operations -- is currently placing C-17 Globemaster III and C-130 Hercules aircraft and aircrews on alert to support humanitarian operations should help from the Air Force be needed. 

President Barack Obama declared North Dakota a federal disaster area March 25.

"Right now, were in the preparation phase to ensure the right people, equipment and aircraft are available if Air Force assistance is requested during humanitarian efforts," said Brig. Gen. Bryan J. Benson, the 618th TACC vice commander. "Should the call come, we'll be ready."

The 618th TACC staff, located at Scott Air Force Base, coordinates hundreds of airlift and air refueling missions each day, and can seamlessly redirect these missions to support emerging requirements for contingency or humanitarian relief operations.

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