NOAA

There are many fish in the sea, but it takes only one instrumental mentor to influence and steer someone’s career path. That’s the case with Regina Guazzo, Ph.D., and Tyler Helble, Ph.D. Dr. Guazzo is a Phase 2 SMART scholar, currently fulfilling her service commitment at the Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC Pacific). Dr. Guazzo is being mentored by Dr. Helble, a previous SMART scholar himself, and expert in marine mammal detection and ocean acoustics. The pair have been working together since 2015 when Dr. Guazzo was awarded the scholarship. Together they have collaborated on several high-impact projects that study whale behavior and its impact to the Navy. Dr. Helble and Dr. Guazzo received the 2021 SMART Scholars and Mentors of the Year award for a scholar pursuing their Department of Defense (DoD) employment commitment (Phase 2).

Dr. Guazzo first utilized an acoustic detector developed by Dr. Helble while she was pursuing her Ph.D. at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. She later added functionality to the detector and used it to detail the gray whale migratory calls and swimming behavior – a first of its kind. Dr. Helble continued to mentor Dr. Guazzo during her academic pursuit and summer internships. This empowered Dr. Guazzo to publish two papers on the gray whale migration. Through this research Dr. Guazzo and her collaborators demonstrated the increase in gray whale migration to the shore, putting the animals at risk for ship-strikes, entanglements and pollution. This research assisted the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s whale population assessment, which is a requirement for protected species. Additionally, the effort helped the Navy assess and quantify their impact on the protected species to ensure compliance with regulations.

Since completing her Ph.D. in 2018, Dr. Guazzo has been an integral part of NIWC’s Whale Acoustic Reconnaissance Project lab. Dr. Guazzo and Dr. Helble served as principal investigators to investigate how whale behavior changes with environmental variations. This research helped inform how Navy training and testing events impact native whale populations. Previous research reported that baleen whales fully compensated for increases in background noise levels. However, Dr. Guazzo and Dr. Helble surprised the marine mammal community by finding that humpback and minke whales did not fully compensate for increased background noise. These insights provided the Navy with critical information regarding the environmental impact of its training and testing.

In order to fully evaluate the environmental impacts of Navy training and testing, researchers must be able to estimate the number of whales in the area. To accurately do this, Dr. Guazzo and Dr. Helble spearheaded a project with the Pacific Fleet. Here they determined the calling rates of baleen whales to estimate whale population through acoustic monitoring.

Additional research demonstrated more complex whale song and swimming than previously reported. The team observed correlations between singing fin whales and higher vocalization rates. Patterns were also observed about swimming behavior and the time of day.

Both Dr. Guazzo and Dr. Helble have a passion for inspiring future STEM leaders. Dr. Helble mentors graduate students through SMART, the National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship program, and others who have been referred to him through the marine mammal bioacoustics community. Dr. Guazzo is a leader in NIWC’s outreach program and regularly works with K-12 and undergraduate students.

Together the pair is inspiring the next fleet of STEM professionals and received the 2021 SMART Scholar and Mentor of the Year Award during a scholar’s service commitment phase. For more information on the SMART Scholars and Mentors of the Year Award, visit https://www.dvidshub.net/news/411142/smart-scholarship-service-program-announces-scholar-and-mentor-year-awards.

The Defense Logistics Agency has developed a new dashboard application to provide real-time metrics as it packs and distributes millions of free COVID-19 at-home tests to American households as part of the White House test kit mission.

DLA Distribution created the application with key performance indicators to gauge and monitor milestones and progress with the test kit mission for the teams at DLA Distribution San Joaquin, California, and a DLA Distribution-contracted warehouse in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.

“With a velocity-focused mission, we had to develop a solution that could move just as quickly. Between the speed of analysis and delivery to our users, whether they’re accessing the application on a computer or mobile device, everyone now sees the same data simultaneously,” said Steven Forster, a supply management specialist in DLA Distribution current operations who created the application.

Launched Feb. 8, the application receives data from the U.S. Postal Service and the Department of Health and Human Services’ Coordination Operation and Response Element, DLA’s federal partners in the test kit mission. From that data, the application’s geo-mapping capability provides real-time information about inbound and outbound test kit shipments across the nation, including progress against the total test kit goal, test kit volume received and shipped, truck volume and most importantly, the number of American households receiving test kits. The app displays the data visually which provides a snapshot of current performance metrics and enables data-driven decisions without arduous spreadsheet analysis and number crunching.

The application also contains a detailed weather map using National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration web integration and hurricane tracking along with dynamic links to weather in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania and Tracy, California, plus a live Pennsylvania snowplow tracker, national weather listing and flight tracker.

The app also includes a chart showing U.S. Postal Service hub deliveries and drive times to those locations. DLA Distribution supervisors use these tools to ensure clear transportation routes for both test kits and warehouse workers.

A key component in the app is a clickable button to directly email DLA Distribution’s Joint Operations Center, the agency’s test kit mission hub, with any immediate concerns or pressing issues.

When the computer app was complete, Forster developed a mobile phone interface allowing access to real-time data for users wherever they are. All users have the same information, whether accessing it from their phone, tablet, or computer.

The new test kit app is one of many DLA Distribution resources developed to support the agency’s goal to modernize its acquisition and supply chain management processes through use of big data and business intelligence tools, while maintaining audit sustainment.

(YORKTOWN, VA) – Naval Weapons Station Yorktown is participating in the Navy’s annual Hurricane Exercise/Citadel Gale 2022 (HURREX/CG) now through 29 April.

The 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season closed, above-average with 21 named storms to include 7 hurricanes, 4 being major, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

With this year’s Hurricane Season fast approaching (June 1-Nov. 30), HURREX/CG 2022, led by U.S. Fleet Forces Command and Commander, Navy Installations Command, prepares the Navy to respond to adverse weather conditions in U.S. coastal regions and give installations the opportunity to review recovery procedures after major storms.

“The annual exercise prepares Naval Weapons Station Yorktown personnel and tenants for the potential impacts of a storm on our installation and operations,” stated Ken Roberts, Emergency Management Officer. “This year’s scenario includes two artificially constructed Tropical Cyclones which will develop and intensify to hurricane strength, threatening the US East Coast and Gulf Coast regions.”

While HURREX/CG helps to determine if there are any areas where the installation can improve their ability to prepare for and respond to natural disasters, family readiness begins at home. Navy personnel are encouraged to create an emergency plan, maintain an emergency kit and familiarize themselves with Navy resources available to them.

It is also a great time to insure all Navy personnel and family members are registered and that their information is current in Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System (NFAAS). To register with NFAAS, go to https://navyfamily.navy.mil

For detailed information on emergency preparedness, staying informed, making a plan, building a kit and more, visit www.ready.navy.mil or www.ready.gov/hurricanes.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Maj. Gen. Gregory J. Mosser, the deputy commanding general, U.S. Army Reserve Command, highlighted the capabilities the U.S. Army Reserve provides to local, state, and federal entities when disasters strike the nation in an April 14th panel discussion at the National Hurricane Conference.

Mosser was one of four panel members discussing “The Future of Natural Disaster Response: Effective Partnerships for Overcoming Natural Disasters.” Accompanying Mosser, were Kimo Dunn, 9th Mission Support Command deputy for Operations, Plans, and Training; Jennifer Pipa, American Red Cross vice president of disaster programs; and Terry White, AT&T client executive director. The panel was moderated by Dinah Volyles Pulver, USA Today national reporter specializing in environment, climate, and weather.

Mosser shared his experiences of not only the Army Reserve’s response to recent natural disasters but with the whole-of-nation response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“While I was the commander of the 377th Theater Sustainment Command, we were providing the Army Reserve response to the pandemic, but in the middle of that effort, we had a number of hurricanes that struck the U.S. mainland.”

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the 2020 hurricane season was one of the busiest seasons on record. That year, there were 30 named storms with 12 of those making U.S. landfall: five of those hitting Louisiana.

Mosser said the one of the keys for the U.S. Army Reserve preparedness for responding to natural disasters is built on the framework of the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA 2012).

“Under NDAA 2012, the Army Reserve provides federal support to Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) during emergencies working in conjunction with Army North and other federal, state, and local partners to save lives, prevent human suffering, and mitigate great property damage,” Mosser said.

“We are a federal entity under Title 10 of the U.S. Code and we support local and state governments in a tiered response. We are always in support but never the lead agency. That responsibility belongs to the state, or in the case of a large-scale natural disaster, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) when state resources become overwhelmed.”

Mosser outlined the vast array of support and capabilities the U.S. Army Reserve brings to local, state, and federal partners in the nation’s time of need. These capabilities include aviation lift, search and rescue or extraction, quartermaster (food, shelter, potable water, heated tents, etc.), civil affairs and public information as well as a significant portion of full-spectrum engineer capabilities.

“We can move search and rescue teams through the air or on the ground, we can provide the movement of commodities such as water and food, we can pump water from flooded areas, and we can use our engineer capabilities to clear roads and debris so those involved in response and recovery operations can do their jobs quickly and efficiently,” he said.

Another key element of support is the location of U.S. Army Reserve units.

“We are a community-based organization with Army Reserve centers and units located in many of the areas affected by natural disasters in the U.S.,” he said.

“What makes this program work for these local and state governments is our unit leaders getting out into these communities and meeting with local and state officials before a disaster strikes and sharing what capabilities we can provide should they be needed.”

Requests for support from the Army Reserve can come in two ways – Immediate Response Authority (IRA) or Deliberate Response. Under an IRA, a local official can request support in writing to a local Army Reserve unit.

Mosser said there have been multiple instances in the last decade where U.S. Army Soldiers have dispatched teams to conduct high-water rescues in area affected by rising flood waters. Under a Deliberate Response, elements of the U.S. Army Reserve can be mobilized for a longer duration. This was the case when the U.S. Army Reserve mobilized more than 3,000 Soldiers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mosser added that every event the U.S. Army Reserve has responded to are continual learning events.

“We train using established policies and procedures, maintain relationships and open communication with local and state officials before a disaster response is needed, and continually exercise with partner organizations to ensure that when a disaster actually happens, we are prepared and ready to assist when called upon.”

Mosser’s panel partners echoed many of his views throughout the panel.

Dunn, with the 9th Mission Support Command, said that partnerships were invaluable for his organization which spans a region from Washington state, Alaska and Hawaii, to the far reaches of the Pacific Ocean including American Samoa, Guam, Saipan and the many of the islands that dot the area of Oceania.

“It’s important for our local commanders to develop relationships with local communities,” Dunn said. “If a disaster strikes in some of these areas, it is the U.S. Army Reserve who will be able to respond since we are the official U.S. presence located there.”

For the American Red Cross, Pipa stated it is important for everyone to know their organizations roles and responsibilities to prevent duplication of disaster relief and response efforts.

“It is important for our organization to identify gaps and analyze response trends,” Pipa said. “We look for areas where people are not being served then focus our efforts there.”

Pipa said that since 2016, they have seen a trend where displaced persons are now averaging 90-120 days and the Red Cross is focused on building resilience and long- term recovery.

She said they work to limit the time displaced persons spend in shelters, improve their living conditions, and help them transition back to a normal life and help them to not fall into poverty, or some instances, into further poverty.

For White and his AT&T colleagues, they are levering existing and emerging technologies to facilitate their disaster response and recovery partnerships.

He cited Hurricane Michael that hit the Florida Panhandle in October 2018. The Category 5 hurricane all but nearly wiped-out cellular communications in the area. AT&T established mobile cellular towers at Tyndall Air Force Base so first responders as well as local citizens could have connectivity.

But White said, AT&T is more than cellular telephone service.

“We have our own pilots, meteorologists, drones, and first responders at the point of impact,” White said. “All first responders need connectivity immediately after a disaster strikes. They need to be able to talk to each other, take pictures of damaged areas that need to be cleared or served, and be able to send that data to those who need the information to assist in the recovery and response. This leads to better decision-making to allocate the needed resources.”

The panel agreed that providing needed resources in a timely and efficient manner is key to assisting those affected by a natural disaster. However, the capabilities of the U.S. Army Reserve were not always looked at as an option.

Prior to the passing of NDAA 2012, the U.S. Army Reserve was somewhat limited by law in responding to natural disasters in the U.S. but could be called upon in the event of a chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear event. However, during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the federal government did in fact recognize the need to mobilize the U.S. Army Reserve to assist in the recovery efforts in Louisiana. Aviation assets from 5th Battalion, 159th Aviation Regiment in early September to conduct search-and-rescue operations and assist humanitarian relief efforts airlifting survivors to evacuation points; transporting food, water, and other supplies to the Superdome and other locations; and moving active Army and Army National Guard Soldiers across the affected area.

After the passage of NDAA 2012, the legislation provided the necessary means for coordinating capabilities with other Federal, State, local and military service component partners, including the National Guard. NDAA 2012 provided the catalyst for all military service components (active, reserve, and Guard) to foster those relationships and coordination through thoughtful planning.

SUITLAND, MD — The U.S. National Ice Center (USNIC) has confirmed that iceberg C-39 (figure 1, below) has calved from the Scott Glacier area of the Shackleton Ice Shelf in the Wilkes Land Region of Antarctica. As of April 22, C-39 was centered at 65° 40′ South and 99° 44′ East and measured 15 nautical miles on its longest axis and 8 nautical miles on its widest axis.

The new iceberg was first spotted by Jan Lieser from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, and confirmed by USNIC Analyst Christopher Readinger using the Sentinel-1A image below.

Iceberg names are derived from the Antarctic quadrant in which they were originally sighted.

The quadrants are divided counter-clockwise in the following manner:

A = 0-90W (Bellingshausen/Weddell Sea)

B = 90W-180 (Amundsen/Eastern Ross Sea)

C = 180-90E (Western Ross Sea/Wilkesland)

D = 90E-0 (Amery/Eastern Weddell Sea)

When first sighted, an iceberg’s point of origin is documented by USNIC. The letter of the quadrant, along with a sequential number, is assigned to the iceberg. For example, C-19 is sequentially the 19th iceberg tracked by USNIC in Antarctica between 180-90E (Quadrant C). Icebergs with letter suffixes have calved from already named icebergs, where the letters are added in sequential order. For example, C-19D is the 4th iceberg to calve off the original C-19 iceberg.

Iceberg positions are analyzed weekly and are available on the USNIC webpage at:

https://usicecenter.gov/Products/AntarcIcebergs

The U.S. National Ice Center is a multi-agency center operated by the Navy, NOAA, and Coast Guard and provides global to tactical scale ice and snow products, ice forecasting, and related environmental intelligence services for the United States government.

The U.S. National/Naval Ice Center is a subordinate command of U.S. Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command that directs and oversees more than 2,500 globally-distributed military and civilian personnel who collect, process and exploit environmental information to assist Fleet and Joint Commanders in all warfare areas to make better decisions, based on assured environmental information, faster than the adversary.

Dry conditions in April resulted in well-below average runoff in the upper Missouri River Basin. April runoff was 1.5 million acre-feet, which is 51% of average. The updated 2022 upper Basin runoff forecast is 17.8 MAF, 69% of average, which, if realized, would rank as the 23rd lowest calendar year runoff volume.

“Despite recent snow and rainfall events, 84% of the upper Basin continues to experience abnormally dry conditions. Current drought conditions, dry soils, and below-normal mountain snowpack, resulted in the below-average 2022 calendar year runoff forecast,” said John Remus, chief of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’, Missouri River Basin Water Management Division.

The NOAA Climate Prediction Center indicates increased chances for cooler and wetter-than-normal conditions for most of the Basin for the month of May, potentially providing much needed moisture to the area. However, long range forecasts for the months of June, July, and August indicate warmer and drier-than-normal conditions.

System storage is currently 48.3 MAF, 7.8 MAF below the base of the Annual Flood Control and Multiple Use Zone. System storage is expected to remain in the Carryover Multiple Use Zone during 2022.

Mountain Snowpack:

The mountain snowpack appeared to have peaked in late April, but recent storms and cooler temperatures have resulted in additional snowpack accumulation. Snow over the weekend increased the snow water equivalent in both reaches, with the May 1 snowpack in the reach above Fort Peck and in the Fort Peck to Garrison reach at 86% and 94% of their normal peaks respectively. The late season mountain snowpack has slightly increased runoff projections for May, June, and July in the Fort Peck and Garrison reaches. The mountain snowpack graphics can be viewed at: http://go.usa.gov/xARQC.

Navigation:

Gavins Point Dam releases will provide minimum-service navigation flow support at all four target locations (Sioux City, Omaha, Nebraska City, and Kansas City) through July 1. Flow targets may be missed to conserve water if there is no commercial navigation in a given reach. Minimum-service flow targets range from 25,000 cfs at Sioux City, Iowa to 35,000 cfs at Kansas City. Flow support for the second half of the navigation season, as well as the navigation season length, will be based on the actual System storage on July 1. The current forecast indicates that minimum service flow support will be required throughout the navigation season and flow support may be shortened by about 2 weeks.

Monthly Water Management Conference Calls

Water management calls include an update from the National Weather Service’s Missouri Basin River Forecast Center, and an update on the Missouri River mainstem reservoir system operations. The next call for 2022 will be held Thursday, May 5. All calls are recorded in their entirety and are available to the public on our website at https://go.usa.gov/xARQv.

Spring Public Meeting:

The spring public meetings were held throughout the basin during the week of April 11-15. The purpose of these meetings was to update the region on current hydrologic conditions and the planned operation of the mainstem reservoir system during the coming months. Links for a recording of the public meeting and meeting slides can be found here: https://www.nwd.usace.army.mil/MRWM/Public-Meetings/.

Reservoir Forecasts:

Gavins Point Dam

Average releases past month – 24,200 cfs

Current release rate – 22,000 cfs

Forecast release rate – 22,500 cfs

End-of-April reservoir level – 1206.8 feet

Forecast end-of-May reservoir level – 1206.0 feet

Notes: The Gavins Point release will be adjusted to provide minimum-service navigation flow support on the lower Missouri River.

Fort Randall Dam

Average releases past month – 21,800 cfs

End-of-April reservoir level – 1355.8 feet

Forecast end-of-May reservoir level – 1355.0 feet

Notes: Releases will be adjusted as necessary to maintain the desired reservoir elevation at Gavins Point and to back up Gavins Point releases.

Big Bend Dam

Average releases past month – 24,800 cfs

Forecast average release rate – 17,800 cfs

Forecast reservoir level – 1420.8 feet

Oahe Dam

Average releases past month – 25,200 cfs

Forecast average release rate – 17,500 cfs

End-of-April reservoir level – 1595.0 feet

Forecast end-of-May reservoir level – 1596.0 feet

Garrison Dam

Average releases past month – 14,500 cfs

Current release rate – 14,500 cfs

Forecast release rate – 19,000 cfs

End-of-April reservoir level –1828.1 feet

Forecast end-of-May reservoir level – 1828.4 feet

Notes – Releases will be increased to 19,000 cfs in mid-May.

Fort Peck Dam

Average releases past month – 5,700 cfs

Current release rate – 6,000 cfs

Forecast average release rate – 8,500 cfs

End-of-April reservoir level – 2222.6 feet

Forecast end-of-May reservoir level – 2222.1 feet

Notes: Releases will be increased to 8,500 cfs in mid-May.

The forecast reservoir releases and elevations discussed above are not definitive. Additional precipitation, lack of precipitation or other circumstances could cause adjustments to the reservoir release rates.

Hydropower:

The six mainstem power plants generated 662 million kWh of electricity in April. Typical energy generation for April is 700 million kWh. The power plants are expected to generate 7.3 billion kWh this year, compared to the long-term average of 9.4 billion kWh.

To view the detailed three-week release forecast for the mainstem dams, go to https://go.usa.gov/xARQB.

The Missouri Basin Web App provides links to these reports and others that are updated more frequently. http://go.usa.gov/xE6fC

Pearl Harbor, HI – The USS Daniel Inouye assists Commercial Fishing Vessel Sea Diamond in towing operation back to Honolulu following casualty to Sea Diamond’s engine, in the vicinity of Hawaii Operating Area, (JBPHH), October 18.

In the early morning hours at approximately 12:30 a.m., Daniel Inouye (DDG 118) received a call from the U.S. Coast Guard to assist the commercial fishing vessel Sea Diamond. Sea Diamond had lost all propulsion and reported a shafting propeller casualty.

Inouye was quick in her response and contacted the vessel Sea Diamond at 2:00 a.m. During this time the engineering team deployed the ships rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB) to assist. It was determined that the casualty to propulsion of Sea Diamond was external and the RHIB team would be unable to further support. Daniel Inouye then decided to take the Sea Diamond under tow back to Honolulu. The ship maintained a speed of 6 knots for approximately 12 hours before turning over custodianship to the Coast Guard five nautical miles outside of Honolulu Harbor.

Sea Diamond is a seventy-one foot long commercial fishing vessel weighing approximately 100 tons. At the time of the casualty there were 7 crewmembers onboard, including an observer from the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) who acted as an interpreter between the Sea Diamond and Inouye crew.

“I am glad that USS Daniel Inouye was in the best position to assist the Sea Diamond,” said Cmdr. Dave Haile, Commanding Officer of USS Daniel Inouye. “It is our duty to provide help to our fellow mariners whenever and wherever they need it, and the Daniel Inouye’s crew responded admirably and professionally to make sure we could return the Sea Diamond and her crew to safe harbor.”

Following the rescue, USS Daniel K. Inouye is expected to make port calls to various Hawai’i Islands for a project known as “Trip Around Islands” that aims to strengthen relations with the Hawaiian people. More than 40 members of the crew will be participating in volunteering events on the islands to give back to the community and honor Hawaiian culture.

The mission of Commander, Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific is to manage the overall warfighting capability of the Surface Combatant Force homeported at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH), HI; to coordinate through the Fleet Response Plan (FRP) cycle the manning, operations, combat systems, engineering, maintenance, training, logistics, administration, and support of assigned units to achieve the highest levels of combat readiness.

For more news from CNSG MIDPAC, visit, https://www.facebook.com/people/COMNAVSURFGRU-MIDPAC/.

On April 28, Dr. Lisa Mazzuca, search and rescue office chief, NASA; and Thomas Renkevens, satellite products and services division chief, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, visited the Joint Personnel Recovery Agency Headquarters on Fort Belvoir, Va. They met with Col. Anne-Marie Contrera, JPRA director; and JPRA staff, to discuss NASA’s second-generation emergency beacons, the Satellite-aided Search and Rescue, or SARSAT, program.

As a chairman-controlled activity of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, JPRA facilitates personnel recovery stakeholder activities across the Defense Department and between agencies. Beacon and reporting technology is of primary interest to JPRA, as a means to continually advance its support to isolated personnel.

Satellite-aided Search and Rescue

The SARSAT program is an international organization that provides space-based relay of distress signals, or alerts, from emergency beacons that use the 406 megahertz frequency, and provides alerts to search and rescue authorities, globally. The original, satellite-aided search and rescue architecture has long since provided capability for aviators and sailors. However, NASA recently identified a need for quicker response times and more accurate location data than the original system could accommodate.

Last week’s meeting was organized by JPRA’s Steven Kelly and a JPRA technology and national security fellow, Hamna Khan, a researcher focused on 406 MHz emergency distress beacon technologies.

Along with NASA and NOAA, JPRA invited members from the U.S. Coast Guard SARSAT Program; the Army’s Personnel Recovery Branch; key policy representatives from the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy; and the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center.

Past meetings at JPRA headquarters promoted collaborative conversations on the future of emergency beacon technologies within the DoD. In particular, Mazzuca and her team from NASA’s Search and Rescue Office, shared the latest technology developments for 406 MHz emergency distress beacons and discussed the possibilities and challenges ahead for the emergency distress beacon ecosystem.

Next Steps

JPRA will continue advocating next-generation emergency beacons throughout the Joint Staff for additional research and development; and define joint requirements. JPRA looks to assist in any formal acquisition activities to take advantage of emerging SARSAT technologies, as a means to help the military with personnel recovery capabilities.

Approximately 45 North Carolina National Guard (NCNG) service members deployed and returned, aboard an NCNG C-17 Globemaster III, from the mild climate of the Old North State to the frigid climate of Alaska to establish and operate a Joint Task Force (JTF) and support other training operations during Exercise Arctic Eagle-Patriot 22 (AEP22) Feb. 23 – March 9, 2022.

Exercise AEP22 was an Alaska National Guard-sponsored training event involving interagency partners responding to a homeland security and emergency response scenario in and around the Arctic area.

A JTF is a brigade-sized military element providing command and control for all assigned state military assets supporting civil authorities or a specific incident. It also facilitates the flow of information between the state’s National Guard headquarters and supporting units.

“We certainly have achieved our objectives,” said U.S. Army Col. Tobin Clifton, the commander of 60th TC. “Our objective, coming here, was the ability to project forward to an unknown location, with a different natural disaster scenario [then what we’re accustomed to supporting in North Carolina] and work with different (federal, state and local) partners to prove we can operate as a JTF.”

Working with multiple governmental agencies at all levels isn’t something military units or service members have the opportunity to do.

“This has been huge in giving us the ability to work with multiple states. We have attempted to replicate some of the outside agencies here we have a hard time replicating at home, so it provides us an opportunity to do that. This effort has significantly been a joint effort because of the Air Force [National Guard] presence and the Active-Duty military in Alaska; it’s hard for us to replicate at home,” said Clifton.

One of those agencies present during the JTF portion of the exercise was a team from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Due to the geographic location and modes of transportation for the area, the NOAA team provided invaluable information.

“The NOAA support has been fantastic,” said Clifton. “Having them actually here on the ground to predict the weather is significant. In Alaska it’s especially significant, the weather changes from spot to spot, so it has a drastic impact on our airlift capabilities. A response like this is heavily dependent on air (fixed and rotary wing) operations.”

A NOAA representative with extensive knowledge and experience working with other governmental and civilian organizations was impressed by the NCNG’s JTF.

“The professionalism and condor of the group (JTF-60) have been wonderful,” Jonathan Suk, a warning coordination meteorologist with NOAA. “Exemplary leadership, exemplary comradery and collaboration working internally, but also looking externally as a member of NOAA being integrated into operations with clear, concise information flow so if there is a question or some sort of hurdle that come up and approachable has been top-notch and profession.”

Professional Growth Opportunities

The AEP22 exercise also offered professional development and joint operations learning opportunities for NCNG JTF-60 service members. U.S. Army Maj. Christopher Roberts, the sustainment officer for HHC, 60th TC, and Spc. Colin Omelia, a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear specialist assigned to HHC, 60th TC, had positive experiences during the exercise.

Roberts was plucked from his sustainment duties to be the JTF’s executive officer for a day. An executive officer is equivalent to a chief operations officer. Even though he’s been an officer for several years and is a former U.S. Marine, he learned a lot during the position opportunity.

“It was a forcing function for me to see what my fellow [joint] staff are capable, what they can bring to a fight and force, make sure we can synchronize to action plans,” said Roberts. “It definitely was interesting. It was a great challenge. I thoroughly enjoyed myself.”

One specific notional scenario was very impactful during Robert’s executive officer duties. The notional scenario was about a military aircraft crashing on a military installation in Alaska, with approximately 60 Kansas National Guard Soldiers and five active-duty aircrew on board.

“It (the notional scenario) really forced us to imagine in addition to all the chaos, destruction and death (from a scenario natural disaster), now it really hit home and the notification process of that type of possible catastrophic event,” said Roberts.

Even junior NCNG service members learned during AEP22 from the opening briefing about the training exercise to first-hand operations within a joint task force.

“I’ve learned a lot,” said Omeila. “When things are explained from the wider perspective, things begin to make more sense; you understand the why. Having seen this has given more of a perspective of joint operations.”

Overall, the NCNG’s JTF-60 service members experienced and learned a lot during AEP22. The knowledge will forever stay with these service members, and they’ll be able to pass along their wisdom while supporting the state of North Carolina during future disasters.

“Our staff has benefited splendidly from this experience,” said Clifton.

Exercise AEP22 increases the National Guard’s capacity to operate in austere, extreme cold-weather environments across Alaska and the Arctic region. AEP22 enhances the ability of military and civilian inter-agency partners to respond to a variety of emergency and homeland security missions across Alaska and the Arctic.

FORT LEE, Va. – Since 2020, the sheer number of severe storms exhausted the list of designated names. According to meteorologists, the outlook for 2022 is more of the same.

Before the next hurricane or other severe storm occurs, the Defense Commissary Agency advises its patrons to be prepared and use their benefit to save money on their emergency supplies, said Marine Sgt. Maj. Michael R. Saucedo, the Defense Commissary Agency’s senior enlisted advisor to the DeCA director.

“As service members we are taught to always be prepared for the worst-case scenario,” Saucedo said. “When it comes to your home, an ounce of prevention is way better than looking for a grocery store after the storm hits. Create a disaster plan and use your commissary to help you save 20-25 percent on your emergency supplies.”

From April through Oct. 31, DeCA’s severe weather promotional package includes discounts on the following items: beef jerky and other assorted meat snacks, soup and chili mixes, canned goods, powdered milk, cereals, batteries, airtight bags, weather-ready flashlights, tape (all-weather, heavy-duty shipping and duct), first aid kits, lighters, matches, lanterns, candles, hand sanitizer and anti-bacterial wipes. Specific items may vary from store to store.

The North Atlantic hurricane season is June 1 to Nov. 30 and covers the North Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. Tornado season is April to July.

The Accuweather forecast for 2022 calls for 16-20 named storms, six to eight of which will be hurricanes, with three to five of the hurricanes potentially being category 3 or higher (winds exceeding 111 mph). The spring tornado forecast, according to ustornadoes.com, is calling for a below normal season.

Whether it’s Mother Nature or a manmade crisis, emergency preparedness officials encourage prior planning with a disaster supply kit that includes the following items:

• Water – at least one gallon daily, per person (three-day supply for evacuation, two-week supply for home)

• Nonperishable foods – canned meats, fruits, vegetables, dried fruits, nuts, raisins, cereal, crackers, cookies, energy bars, granola, peanut butter, and foods for infants and the elderly (three-day supply for evacuation, two-week supply for home)

• Paper goods – writing paper, paper plates, paper towels and toilet paper

• Writing utensils – pens, pencils (manual pencil sharpeners), markers

• Cooking items – pots, pans, baking sheets, cooking utensils, charcoal, a grill and a manual can opener

• First-aid kit – including bandages, medicines and prescription medications

• Cleaning materials – bleach, sanitizing spray, and hand and laundry soap

• Toiletries – personal hygiene items and moist wipes

• Pet care items – food, water, muzzle, leash, carrier, medications, medical records, and identification and immunization tags

• Lighting accessories – flashlights, batteries, candles and matches

• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)

• Duct tape, scissors

• Multipurpose tool

• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates and insurance policies)

• Cell phone with chargers

• Family and emergency contact information

• Extra cash

• Emergency blanket

• Maps of the area

• Blankets or sleeping bags

For more information about disaster preparedness, go to the DeCA website (https://commissaries.com/our-agency/disaster-preparedness) for lists of resources.

-DeCA-

About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Commissaries provide a military benefit, saving authorized patrons thousands of dollars annually on their purchases compared to similar products at commercial retailers. The discounted prices include a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.