Lessons learned aid preparation for Hurricane Rita Published Sept. 24, 2005 By Master Sgt. Mitch Gettle Air Force Print News WASHINGTON -- With Airmen still working recovery efforts from Hurricane Katrina, the Air Force prepares for the second major hurricane to hit the Gulf Coast in just over three weeks.Lessons were learned from Hurricane Katrina, and the Air Force wasted no time in implementing them.Airlift aircraft and helicopters are on alert to respond to the coastal region with crews when and where needed, said Col. George Perkins, Air Force Operations Group deputy commander. "We also have two (Contingency Response Groups) on alert at McGuire and Travis Air Force Bases," he said. A CRG is made up of various Air Force specialties used to establish airfield operations in a combat environment.The Air Force currently has two CRGs functioning in support of Hurricane Katrina operations."Once the hurricane hits we will move (the aircraft) in behind the storm where we are needed," said Col. Dan Richards, Air Force Office of Lessons Learned director. "If we have an airfield that is operational, we can immediately begin operations."This was not the case after Hurricane Katrina and was something the Air Force had to respond to quickly.Katrina severely damaged Keesler AFB, Miss., and extensive work was required to make the airfield operational again, said Colonel Richards. "Hence, the requirement to have these CRGs (on alert before the storm hits),” he said. "They can go in and set up airfield operations and conduct logistics or air evacuation missions."Another lesson learned from the Hurricane Katrina devastation is the self-sustaining requirements for first-responders deploying into that environment.During Katrina, the Air Force deployed a 25-bed medical facility that treated more than 5,500 civilians during a 48-hour period, and the team was prepared to be self sufficient with food and water for only three days."We identified additional shortfalls in (communication), fuel, logistics and possible security that we need to be prepared for," said Colonel Richards. "The food and water problem… happened because when they arrived, they immediately distributed their three-day supply to the evacuees because the need was so great. "Sustainment of our first-responders is an issue we are taking a hard look at," Colonel Richards added. Two deployable 25-bed medical facilities are pre-positioned at Kelly AFB, Texas, and Eglin AFB, Fla. These units are also on alert and ready to move when and where needed, Colonel Richards said.The 433rd Airlift Wing at Lackland AFB, Texas, has been running two C-5 Galaxy aircraft from Beaumont, Texas, to various locations, providing evacuation airlift. A five-person aeromedical evacuation team from Lackland has been tapped to stay in Beaumont until the last plane leaves. Until then, they have set up a medical command and control center for any aeromedical evacuation resulting from Hurricane Rita. The Air Force has more communication personnel on alert due to some of the problems encountered with Hurricane Katrina.The capabilities of the communications personnel and equipment on alert include: voice and data communications with both secure and unsecured transmissions for more than 900 users, satellite, instrument landing system and radar to assist in aircraft approach and landing, Colonel Richards said.Six Basic Expeditionary Airfield Resource packages also stand ready at Holloman AFB, N.M. The BEAR package is a tent city that provides living support for 550 people, said Colonel Perkins. Altus AFB, Okla., and Little Rock AFB, Ark., have suspended training missions and have also transferred assets to aid in evacuation. In preparation for Hurricane Rita, the Air Force evacuated sixteen F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft and one C-26 cargo plane from Ellington Field, Texas.