1st AF provides command, control for Katrina relief efforts Published Sept. 6, 2005 TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFPN) -- When the Federal Emergency Management Agency requested Department of Defense resources to help with Hurricane Katrina relief operations, 1st Air Force here established the 1st Aerospace Expeditionary Task Force-Katrina Operation.The 1st AETF is the Air Force organization designated to perform command and control for assets supporting air operations in and around the Katrina joint operating area. Maj. Gen. M. Scott Mayes, 1st AF and 1st AETF commander, also serves as the joint forces air component commander for Joint Task Force-Katrina and is responsible for coordinating and integrating relief operations with local, state and federal agencies.“We’re committed to saving lives, first of all, and also providing as much humanitarian relief as we can for the people impacted by this natural disaster,” General Mayes said. “As we continue our relief efforts, our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected and who are dealing with their losses.”The 1st AETF provides airlift, aeromedical evacuation, medical support, surveillance, civil engineering and other capabilities that support FEMA requests for DOD assistance.“Our air and associated ground assets bring unique capabilities to this tough situation,” General Mayes said. “Our speed, range and flexibility enable our men and women to do extraordinary things to help our fellow citizens.“This is a remarkable effort with a large area of responsibility, and our terrific team is doing great things while also maintaining our mission of deterring and, if necessary, defending the air sovereignty of North America,” he said.Given the broad scope of support and capabilities provided by the 1st AETF, it is establishing air expeditionary groups at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, La.; Alexandria, La.; Keesler Air Force Base, Miss.; Jackson, Miss.; and Maxwell AFB, Ala. These AEGs will support forward-deployed Airmen on the periphery of the disaster area.“We take this (relief effort) very seriously,” General Mayes said. “We won’t stop until our job is done, regardless of how long it takes.”