JOINT RESERVE BASE FORT WORTH, Tex.- -- Reserve Marine units from throughout the U.S. are aiding relief efforts to ease the suffering of Gulf Coast residents affected by Hurricane Katrina.
The hurricane made landfall in southeastern Louisiana and devastated cities along the Gulf, including New Orleans, La, headquarters for Marine Reserve units throughout the world. The hurricane left about 80 percent of the historic city under water.
Currently, two UH-1N Huey helicopters and one AH-1W Supercobra from Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 773 are combing the flooded streets of Gulfport, Miss. Looking for stranded residents of the beleaguered city on rooftops and high grounds.
“We’re doing what we can to help the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) save lives in the affected areas,” said Col. James J. Kinnerup, deputy commander Marine Forces Reserve. “We’re at a crucial point right now where time is precious. Life hangs in the balance and our assistance could mean the difference between life and death.”
U.S. Northern Command (USNORCOM) is marshaling a task force consisting of active and reserve units, named Joint Task Force Katrina (JTF-Katrina). The task force will work to provide assistance such as medical, logistical and communications support to FEMA, state and local authorities.
USNORCOM is providing support to lessen the burden on the overwhelmed state and local relief agencies trying to help displaced persons along the Gulf and will help with future relief operations.