Communication units deploy to support Hurricane Katrina relief

  • Published
  • Air Combat Command Public Affairs
Airmen from Headquarters Air Combat Command and the Air National Guard deployed during the last several days to provide around-the-clock service and support to the areas in the Gulf Coast ravaged by Hurricane Katrina.

The Airmen are from combat communications and tactical communications units, and from the ACC Communications Directorate here.

"Our Total Force team of active duty, Guard, Reserve, civil servants and contractors is doing an outstanding job contributing to national hurricane relief efforts," said Brig. Gen. John Maluda, Director of Communications for ACC.

The 83rd Communications Squadron, based here, began deploying mobile satellite communication teams, also known as Hammer ACE, to Keesler AFB, Miss. Aug. 28 to provide instant and reliable communication links with agencies coordinating relief efforts.

The following day, the Engineering Installation Squadron, assigned to ACC and based at Keesler began repairs on the instrument landing system. Once operable, the system enabled night and inclement weather operations for C-17 Globemaster III and C-130 Hercules aircraft relief flights. Restoring flying operations at Keesler was a key factor in moving personnel and supplies in and out of the area.

The combat communications groups deployed to six sites in Mississippi and Louisiana where they are providing voice and data communications, electronic mail, and air traffic control communications, which enable civilian and military relief efforts in the area.

The 5th Combat Communications Group, based at Robins AFB, Ga., deployed more than 60 Airmen and three satellite communication packages to Mississippi with the personnel and tactical equipment to set up two medium and one large satellite communication package. The 3rd CCG, from Tinker AFB, Okla., deployed more than 100 Airmen and three satellite communications packages to Louisiana.

Several local Air National Guard units answered the call for assistance, including the 236th Combat Communications Squadron from Hammond, La., which provides satellite communication links, and the 259th and 248th Air Traffic Control Squadrons from Alexandria, La., and Meridian, Miss. The 259th and 248th ATC squadrons are providing mobile air traffic control towers at the New Orleans and Gulfport airports for rescue, television and air ambulance crews.

A priority of the relief mission is to provide medical missions the voice and data connectivity they need to aid victims of the hurricane.

In addition to the efforts occurring in the affected region, ACC Airmen are also serving as liaisons at Fort Gillem, Ga., and Tyndall AFB, Fla., where they help coordinate relief efforts with the ACC staff, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other military and civilian agencies.