Task Force All American Searches New Orleans After Hurricane Rita

Courtesy Photo | Troops from Task Force All American and local law enforcement attempt to move a house from the middle of a flooded road Vermilion Parish, but don't succeed.  

09.26.2005

Courtesy Story

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Pfc. Jacqueline M. Hawe
82nd Public Affairs Office


LAFAYETTE, La.-- Less than 12 hours after Hurricane Rita struck the southwest region of Louisiana, Joint Task Force All American began search and rescue missions through the Vermilion and New Iberia Parishes.

"Task Force All American received orders to move west and establish a headquarters in Lafayette, with missions in New Orleans almost complete," said Maj. Gen. Bill Caldwell, commanding general of JTF All American.

Since Sept. 3, Caldwell has been the commander of 5,000 active duty troops in TF All American, to include elements of the 82nd Airborne Division and 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. TF All American was charged with search and rescue operations, humanitarian relief efforts and evacuation of displaced Americans in New Orleans for Hurricane Katrina.

"Early Monday morning TF All American handed over operations to the National Guard in New Orleans," explained Caldwell. "They combined forces with National Guard troops and a battalion of about 350 Marines to perform search and rescue missions, evacuation of citizens and humanitarian assistance as Joint Task Force All American in Lafayette,"said Caldwell.

The Joint Task Force is working in support of local officials, the Parish presidents and local law enforcement agencies, said Caldwell. The local officials are still firmly established, they have good systems set up, communications, a good grasp of the situation; and are able to direct troops and direct the effort to allow troops to work in support of them.

Working with light amphibious vehicles and about 70 high water trucks, JTF All American and local authorities are able to get through the flooded areas to conduct their missions, Caldwell explained.

"The areas are flooded because the locks to the Louisiana canal broke in the Hurricane,"said Lt. Troy Hebert, Vermilion Parish Sheriffs Office. "Once the current shifts the opposite direction, the flood waters should recede."

"Time is critical in this type of situation," said Caldwell. By responding quickly to the Hurricane affected areas JTF All American is able to conduct search and rescue missions, saving people in need, he added.

"In early years, we did hurricane relief for (Hurricane) Andrew, but in scope it really doesn't come close to the amount of collaboration and work that our Paratroopers did with sister services and interagency organizations during Hurricane Katrina and Rita relief efforts,"said JTF All American Command Sgt. Maj. Wolf Amacker.

• Date Taken: 09.26.2005
• Date Posted: 09.26.2005 18:23
• Story ID: 3121