Air Mobility Command poised to support humanitarian operations in North Dakota Published March 27, 2009 By 1st Lt. Justin Brockhoff 618th Tanker Airlift Control Center Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Air Mobility Command is poised to support humanitarian relief operations in response to record-setting floods that have forced hundreds of North Dakota residents to evacuate their homes. The 618th Tanker Airlift Control Center, AMC's hub for global airlift, air refueling and aeromedical evacuation operations, is currently placing Air Force C-17 Globemaster III and C-130 Hercules aircraft and aircrews on alert to support humanitarian operations should help from the Air Force be needed. President Barack Obama declared North Dakota a federal disaster area on Wednesday. "Right now, were in the preparation phase to ensure the right people, equipment and aircraft are available if Air Force assistance is requested during humanitarian efforts," said Brig. Gen. Bryan J. Benson, the 618th TACC vice commander. "Should the call come, we'll be ready." The 618th TACC, located at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., coordinates hundreds of airlift and air refueling missions each day, and can seamlessly redirect these missions to support emerging requirements for contingency or humanitarian relief operations. In 2008, the 618th TACC coordinated humanitarian airlift relief along with U.S. Air Forces in Europe, as the Air Force delivered 587 tons in needed supplies, including food, cots, blankets, generators, and medical supplies, to people displaced by conflict in the Republic of Georgia. During Hurricanes Ike and Gustav, the 618th TACC coordinated hundreds of aircraft sorties resulting in movement of more than 9,000 evacuees, nearly 600 medical patients, and 1,379 tons of equipment to support relief efforts in the Gulf Coast region.