News from New York State Division of Military & Naval Affairs

For more information contact: Tech. Sgt. Michael O’Halloran at (845) 563-2040/2075

New York Air National Guard Unit Exercises With FEMA

105th Airlift Wing Practices Deploying Disasters Relief Supplies

STEWART AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, NEWBURGH, NY (10/18/2007; 1037)(readMedia)-- The 105th Airlift Wing of the New York Air National Guard in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Administration’s Region II is conducting a deployment exercise at Stewart Air National Guard Base on Thursday, Oct. 18.

FEMA plans on using the giant C-5A aircraft of the 105th Airlift Wing to deploy the equipment it would need in the event of a terrorist attack or a natural disaster. The 105th’s cargo aircraft would be used to transport equipment that is stored in multiple locations around that country as part of FEMA’s Pre-positioned Equipment Program (PEP). The equipment packages are used for protection, detection, decontamination, communications, and explosive ordnance disposal and are specifically tailored to sustain and reconstitute local and state first responders sufficient for 72 hours of response and recovery.

“The 105th Airlift Wing as a component of the National Guard takes its responsibilities to the people of New York very seriously.” Working along side with agencies like FEMA demonstrates our commitment to our state mission. We believe today’s exercise and training strengthens the ability of the federal government to respond to emergencies here in New York and across the nation,” said Brig. Gen. Verle L. Johnston Jr., 105th Airlift Wing Commander.

The 105th Airlift Wing is one of two Air National Guard units in the country with an operational C-5 mission. The unit’s 13 aircraft regularly fly missions around the world in support of America’s armed force. Stewart Air National Guard Base is located just 70 miles north of New York City and has a 20-year proven track record for answering the call to duty both in New York State and around the globe. The Wing has more than 1,500 assigned members, many of them still involved in the Global War on Terrorism and Homeland Defense operations.

For information about the exercise and photographs contact Tech. Sgt. Michael O’Halloran at (845) 563-2040/2075

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