Special tactics unit arrives in Houston to aid Ike relief

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Matthew McGovern
  • Air Force News Agency
HOUSTON (AFPN) --  Members of the Oregon Air National Guard's 125th Special Tactics Squadron arrived at the Reliant Center in Houston Sept. 12 to assist with Hurricane Ike relief efforts. 

The team's primary focus is to provide command and control where needed and work with other federal agencies to establish helicopter landing zones and run air traffic control operations for fixed wing aircraft. 

Members of the team are also prepared to conduct search and recovery operations as needed with motorized rafts and all-terrain vehicles. 

"I'm tasked to do what it takes to minimize the loss of life and work cohesively with other agencies while we're down here," said Master Sgt. Raymond Melendez, a 125th STS team member. "I enjoy missions like these; you get a better understanding of the plight of those in need of our expertise." 

The team of about a dozen Airmen includes combat controllers, intelligence, radio maintenance, life support and medics. The members are dual tasked and all have training in swift water rescue. 

"We have the experience from three hurricanes, including Katrina. Everyone knows each other, and I know they can get the job done," said 2nd Lt. Scott Berg, the operations officer of the team. 

Lieutenant Berg, who personally pulled survivors out of the water from Hurricane Katrina, said he witnessed the good and the bad of the rescue. 

"During the Katrina rescue, we saw people tired, hungry and crying," he said. "Then, we got to see the relieved look on their faces as we took them away. I tried to stay focused on the mission and not to let my emotions get in the way." 

Lieutenant Berg said he learned from previous experience that equipment is the key to success. 

"We are taking better equipment and more of it than in previous hurricanes," the lieutenant said. 

Their equipment includes night-vision goggles to aid in directing aircraft and search and rescue after nightfall. 

Sergeant Melendez said he expects the team to assist with relief efforts around the clock until Sept. 20. 

The operations officer is sure the team will be able to perform this post hurricane mission. 

"I have the highest confidence in our team, and I've noticed there are more federal agencies here to assist than hurricanes in the past," Lieutenant Berg said. 

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