Sunday, April 5, 2009

Louisiana National Guard tests disaster readiness

Digital Video & Imaging Distribution System: 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.”...

Hurricane Katrina damage in Buras, Louisiana

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