PETERSON AFB, Colo. –
U.S. Northern Command is fully engaged with federal, state, territorial and international mission partners as the command continues its planning, pre- positioning and initial Department of Defense response efforts for Hurricane Irma.
To date the USS Wasp located near the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) completed approximately 44 medical evacuations for critical care patients from St. Thomas to St. Croix.
The USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) and USS Oak Hill (LSD 51), along with the Marines of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, are postured north of St. Croix and are providing assistance requested by FEMA. The ships are using helicopters and MV22 Ospreys to provide support and personnel transportation.
USNORTHCOM is working closely with U.S. Southern Command and U.S. Transportation Command to provide assistance to islands devastated by Hurricane Irma. USNORTHCOM is also prepared to support the Department of State in providing assistance to the Bahamas.
USNORTHCOM is also putting capabilities in place to support states that may be impacted by Hurricane Irma. DoD has search and rescue forces, strategic and vertical lift, planning, communication and medical capabilities on standby. The assets are prepositioned in multiple locations to facilitate timely response to needs identified by FEMA in the affected states.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, USNORTHCOM anticipates DoD support to the federal, state and local agencies will grow as needs will continue to be identified.
USNORTHCOM’s mission is to assist lead federal relief agencies in helping those affected by Hurricane Irma to minimize suffering while continuing its mission of defending the Homeland.