“No other single organization has the logistical network, funding, and training that the American Armed Forces have.”
Houston is a mess. Much of the city is underwater, and even as the rain stops, the problems could worsen in the days ahead. The water still has to go somewhere, and it may end up pouring into already flooding areas, raising water levels even more. The Texas government has mobilized all 12,000 members of the Texas National Guard. This isn’t so unusual given the circumstances. However, Federal Armed Forces are mobilizing as well, highlighting just how serious the situation is.
Despite the common belief that the military cannot deploy on American soil, the Armed Forces are actually able to perform domestic operations in many instances. Usually, things work their way up the chain of command. Local authorities will see if they have the resources to handle the situation. If not, they can request state assistance. From there, the State government will deploy its resources. If the situation is extreme, governors can chose to deploy their State Guard soldiers. If the State government is unable to properly address situation, they can ask the Federal government for support.
Traditionally, Federal resources flow through FEMA. However, if the situation is severe enough, the regular Armed Forces can be put into action. Generally, the military takes a supporting role with civilian officials at the Federal and State level assuming charge and directing the response. The situation in Houston, obviously, is dire and the Texas government has not been able to fully address the issue on its own.
Airforce and Navy helicopters have been flying rescue missions since Monday night. The Navy and Airforce have sent a total of nine Airforce HH-60s to Houston so far. At least two fixed wing aircraft are also in use. Many of the assets are coming from the Joint Reserve Base in Fort Worth. The Coast Guard is also operating air craft and is in charge of the overall coordination of air efforts.
The Texas National Guard has 16 helicopters in the air, and other state National Guard units are contributing resources as well. The Texas National Guard has about 200 high-water vehicles and 200 Humvees deployed. New York sent one C-130 aircraft, as well as three Blackhawk Helicopters. Utah, Nebraska, and North Carolina have sent six helicopters.
American warships are also making their way to the coasts outside of the Houston area. They aren’t being used for war, obviously, but instead are being used as staging grounds for rescuers. The ships are also there to deliver emergency supplies. The USS Kearsarge returned from training in the Atlantic ocean to load up on supplies in Norfolk. The USS Oak Hill will join the Kearsarge in delivering supplies.
These ships will also deliver 690 marines to Houston. The marines will deploy three CH-53E Super Stallions, eight MV-22B Ospreys, and three UH-1Y Hueys. The Army is chipping in as well. About 100 Army trucks have been sent to the disaster zone. These supply trucks are designed to operate in high waters. In addition, the Pentagon is sending 450,000 gallons of diesel and 50,000 gallons of gasoline.
Abroad, the United States military is frequently deployed for disaster response. No other single organization has the logistical network, funding, and training that the American Armed Forces have. Back in 2004, when the Boxing Day Tsunami struck coasts across Asia, the Department of Defense used nearly 13,000 of its personnel to provide assistance in Thailand, Indonesia, and elsewhere. Many of the troops were already deployed in nearby Japan.
Anyways, let’s pray for the people of Houston, and wish godspeed to the troops. Once the crisis has been contained and the floods have abated we can get back to pointing fingers, bickering, and otherwise carrying on business as usual.
