Base supports humanitarian relief to Haiti

Published Jan. 20, 2010
Keesler Public Affairs

KEESLER AFB, Ms. -- Keesler is providing humanitarian and medical support in the wake of a 7.0 magnitude earthquake in Haiti.

Jan. 13, Keesler was called to support the 818th Contin-gency Response Group from McGuire Air Force Base, N.J., according to Maj. Matthew Atkinson, director of operations for the 81st Logistics Readiness Squadron.

The major said that 818th CRG members were training at the Air National Guard's Combat Readiness Training Center in Gulfport. The Airmen drove to Keesler, loaded supplies and flew to MacDill AFB, Fla., on their way to Haiti.

"Our Airmen constantly train to deliver people and supplies anywhere they're needed," the major pointed out. "This life-saving effort is an excellent opportunity to put this training to use."

In addition to the 81st LRS, CSC, the wing's performance management office and the 81st Security Forces Squadron participated in preparing to deploy sleeping bags, first aid kits, mess kits and other essential items.

Monday, Keesler transported 12,048 meals-ready-to-eat to Hurlburt Field, Fla, in response to Air Force Special Operations Command's request, according to Carmen Steed, 81st Force Support Support Squadron force sustainment flight chief.

Almost 50 members of the 81st Medical Group have been tapped to provide medical support to the relief effort.

A three-person critical care air transport team and a three-member critical care team left over the three-day Martin Luther King holiday weekend. The CCATT was comprised of a critical-care nurse, emergency room physician and a cardiopulmonary technician. The second team was made up of an internal medicine physician, ER nurse and a cardiopulmonary technician.

The 81st FSS personnel deployment staff processed more than 40 medics Tuesday as 81st MDG teams provided required inoculations, laboratory tests, pharmaceuticals and public health information.

"Wherever you are, you are part of a worldwide effort," Col. Christopher Valle, 81st Training Wing vice commander, told the deployers. "Take great pride in what you are doing."

Lt. Col. Chris Morgan, 81st Medical Support Squadron medical readiness flight commander, told the deployers they could anticipate being en route to either Haiti, MacDill AFB, Miami, or the hospital ship USS Comfort by Wednesday night. Having everyone process and then be on call ensured they'd be ready to go when the movement notification was received.

Colonel Morgan anticipates receiving additional taskings.

Senior Airman Kimberly Moore and Susan Griggs, 81st Training Wing Public Affairs, and Steve Pivnick, 81st Medical Group Public Affairs, contributed to this report.