ACCE teams bring AF expertise to JTF efforts Published Sept. 1, 2008 By Capt. Laura Ropelis 1st Air Force (AFNORTH) TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- As Hurricane Gustav moves into the Gulf of Mexico, an AFNORTH-based team of experts is deployed to Louisiana to provide Air Force capabilities in support of civilian authorities. AFNORTH deployed an Air Component Coordination Element, ACCE-GUSTAV to Alexandria, La., commanded by Brig. Gen. John Del Toro. The team provides Air Force expertise and resources to the affected area, and the Joint Task Force commander working with the Emergency Operations Center in the affected area. "As the Joint Force Air Component Commander, the ACCE team is my link to the deployed JTF Commander," said Maj. Gen. Hank Morrow, Commander of First Air Force, Air Forces Northern. "The ACCE enables me to select the right capability, to provide to the JTF Commander as he works to save lives, reduce suffering and minimize property damage," said General Morrow. Any time a JTF forms, the Joint Forces Air Component Commander deploys his ACCE team to provide this air support link. The ACCE team for Hurricane Gustav is comprised of resident experts, who are able to tailor and anticipate air resources to needs on the ground. Hurricane Gustav's ACCE team will include defense civil engineering and air medical planning capabilities to coordinate a variety of critical resources. Air Forces Northern is U.S. Northern Command's air component, responsible for coordinating defense support to civil authorities as requested. AFNORTH is trained and equipped to support federal, state and local agencies in response to natural and man-made disasters.