PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. – U.S. Northern Command is coordinating Department of Defense’s support to FEMA and state and local response activities in response to the Oklahoma tornado devastated areas. There are currently two Mission Assignments approved in support of disaster operations.
The command has activated Region VI Defense Coordinating Officer (DCO), and Defense Coordinating Element (DCE) to Moore, Okla., to validate, plan and coordinate potential DOD support of FEMA's disaster response operations and to facilitate DOD's support of potential life-saving and response operations. DOD will provide regional knowledge, requirements validation, and liaison support to the affected areas.
U.S. Northern Command has also deployed search and rescue coordinators as part of the Federal SAR Coordination Group. The FSARCG will provide SAR coordination and planning to Moore, Okla.
USNORTHCOM is the joint combatant command formed in the wake of the Sept.11, 2001 terrorist attacks to provide homeland defense and defense support of civil authorities. Supporting FEMA, state and local response to the Oklahoma tornado damaged communities, USNORTHCOM is preparing for continued rescue and recovery needs as they are requested.
To see the full Federal Partners Response to Oklahoma, click the attached link,
www.fema.gov/news-release/2013/05/21/fema-federal-partners-support-response-severe-storms-oklahoma.