President Bush monitors 'Rita' from U.S. Northern Command

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Matt Gilreath
  • 21st Space Wing Public Affairs
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. (AFPN) --  President George W. Bush arrived here Sept. 23 to keep a personal watch on Hurricane Rita from U.S. Northern Command headquarters where military support for the storm is being coordinated.

The president received a series of briefings from NORTHCOM troops concerning the hurricane’s progress.

President Bush said he came to see what was going to be done following Hurricane Rita.

“I came to watch (NORTHCOM’s) capability,” President Bush said. “I wanted to see how they plan, organize and move equipment to help people.”

NORTHCOM representatives told President Bush there were 17,000 active-duty and 36,700 National Guard troops ready to respond with search-and-rescue operations, medical needs, mortuary affairs, packaged meals, water and ice.

President Bush said his main concern was for the people in the affected areas.

“Our first order of business is search and recovery,” President Bush said. “We need to get people out of harm’s way. People need to wait until things stabilize. The situation is still dangerous, and they need to listen to local authorities. People who are safe now need to stay where they are and remain safe.”

The president said he was focusing on “the next 24 hours. Situational awareness is key in how we respond,” he said.

NORTHCOM’s commander, Navy Adm. Tim Keating, said the command’s troops are at the ready.

“Over the next 24 hours, we will be watching carefully,” Admiral Keating said. “We’re ready at your request,” he told the president.

The president left for Austin, Texas, on Sept. 24 where he will meet with state representatives to discuss damage and recovery efforts in the Gulf Coast region.