Louisiana National Guard tests disaster readiness

Photo By Sgt. Beyonka Joseph | Members of the Louisiana National Guard's State Aviation Command rescue evacuees...... read more read more

Photo By Sgt. Beyonka Joseph | Members of the Louisiana National Guard's State Aviation Command rescue evacuees during a simulated disaster response exercise at the Lakefront Airport in New Orleans, April 4. The purpose of this exercise is to test the current LANG response plan, identify deficiencies and evaluate their ability to respond to multiple missions simultaneously prior to the 2009 hurricane season.  see less | View Image Page

NEW ORLEANS, LA, UNITED STATES

04.05.2009

Story by Staff Sgt. Jerry Rushing 

Louisiana National Guard

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NEW ORLEANS – The Louisiana National Guard, in coordination with local, state and federal emergency management agencies, teamed up to test its disaster response capabilities at training exercises around the state, with major operations at the Lakefront Airport in New Orleans and in Hackberry, La., April 4.

The exercise tested the LANG's response plan to identified deficiencies prior to the 2009 hurricane season and also to evaluate LANG's ability to respond to multiple missions simultaneously.

"Training exercises like these help us to evaluate our overall plan and enables us to make the necessary modifications as needed," said Maj. Gen. Bennett C. Landreneau, LANG adjutant general. "A lot of the times we focus on hurricanes, but it has to be an all-hazards approach. This exercise allows us to showcase just that, in order to respond to whatever the situation may be."

"This exercise is to validate our hurricane exercise plan and to make sure that it fits well with the state emergency response plan," added Brig. Gen. Glenn H. Curtis, LANG director of the joint staff. "We want to make sure that our citizens know that we are prepared and able to come to their aid."

The training showcased the LANG's ability to respond quickly to any and all emergency situations by conducting simulated air, water and ground search and rescue operations, while also maintaining sound coordination throughout.

"Our overall goal is to continue to refine our services and challenge our Soldiers so that they can know what to expect and how to react in case we have to respond," stressed Capt. Joshua Davis, commander of the 2225th Multi-Role Bridge Company in Marrero, La. "They are put in realistic situations to define what we need to improve on, and it gives them a chance to showcase the tools that they have been taught."

Other areas of training tested included security training, commodities distribution and interoperability communication operations.

"Good communication enables us to coordinate better between ourselves and other agencies that we work closely with," said Col. John Angelloz, officer in charge of the disaster response exercise. "If you can communicate and everyone is clear on what has to be done, you can always make a positive impact on any situation."

With the addition of the more enhanced training, Soldiers say that they are more capable of assisting and saving lives during disasters.

"It gives us a better insight on how our unit operates and reiterates the fact that we want our guys to be well trained and know what they are doing," added Staff Sgt. Bobby G. Branton of the State Aviation Command in Pineville, La.

This training exercise is meant to not only test the level of preparedness, but to provide an opportunity for each participating agency to become familiar with each other and their way of aiding and approaching emergencies.

"It's just tremendous to see the local, state and federal agencies come out to assist the National Guard with the training exercise," said Landreneau. "It really demonstrates how important it is to have a joint-coordinated effort and support to be able to do a better job for the citizens of our state."

"I feel very confident that we'll be more ready than before because of the partnerships that are represented here today," added Mark Cooper, director of GOHSHEP. "We can have all the plans in the world, but if we don't have the partnerships and communications, we are not going to be successful.

Hackberry was selected as the site to be used in Cameron Parish after Hurricane Ike left a majority of homes flooded and many citizens stranded in high water.

The Hackberry High School served as the Incident Command Post from which all helicopter "lily pad," search and rescue, and the commodities distribution operations were directed.

"Our mission in Hackberry is to handle the lily pad operations," said Capt. Jeremy D. Falanga, commander of A Company, 3rd Battalion, 156th Infantry Regiment, 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. "The lily pad is a temporary staging area for evacuees who are rescued; from here, we prepare to move them to a safe place."

"It means so much to the residents of Cameron Parish," said Magnus "Sonny" McGee, president of the Cameron Parish Police Jury. "It's great to have the Guard's presence here in Hackberry. It makes everyone feel more at ease if another hurricane comes this way."

Participating agencies included: the Governor's Office for Homeland Security and Emergency Preparation, Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries, Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, Louisiana State Police Department, Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, Louisiana Department of Transportation, the Louisiana SPCA and more.