FEMAs Mobilization Center Demobilizing
Release Date: October 24, 2005
Release Number: 1603-110
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BATON ROUGE, La. -- Activity at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Barksdale Mobilization Center (MOB) at Barksdale Air Force Base is winding down. In the next several days, disaster relief supplies will be completely transferred and shipped out of the Camp Beauregard Federal Operational Staging Area in Pineville, Louisiana.
"There is still a need for ice and water," said Chuck Tarr, FEMA Barksdale MOB center manager, "but Beauregard is closer to the sites needing supplies." The MOB center will operate until Nov.1, 2005. The Barksdale MOB ships disaster relief supplies to hurricane affected areas of Louisiana. To date, more than 18 million liters of water and nearly 38 million pounds of ice have been dispatched. Other commodities shipped include MRE's (meals ready to eat), cots, medical supplies, plastic sheeting, generators, home repair kits, wash kits, tables, and chairs.
The MOB began operations for Hurricane Katrina relief response on Aug. 28, 2005. Nearly 320 trucks went through the center in one day. Contract and independent truck drivers from across the country brought commodities to the mobilization center. Items are shipped out to the American Red Cross, Salvation Army Kitchens, disaster medical teams, and response support facilities.
The center is staffed by an interagency team, including the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service, Department of Transportation, and Army Corps of Engineers. The team also includes Georgia Forestry Commission's Incident Management Team and volunteer fire fighters from around the country. The mobilization center was staged at Barksdale Air Force Base and received outstanding aid and support from the United States Air Force 2nd Bomb Wing.
Last Modified: Monday, 24-Oct-2005 10:31:31