Air Mobility Command hosts Delta Regional Authority visit Published Aug. 29, 2006 By Angel Lopez Air Mobility Command Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Representatives of the Delta Regional Authority, a federal-state partnership aimed at improving the economy along the Mississippi River Delta, had a first-hand opportunity to see Air Mobility Command and United States Transportation Command in action Aug. 21. During the visit, AMC and USTRANSCOM highlighted the roles each plays in performing humanitarian relief and recovery operations, said Maj. Gen. Thomas Kane, Air Mobility Command director of Plans and Programs. Although natural disasters happen unexpectedly, with the right preparation, anything can be done to assist those in need. "The nation will stand up and want to help out, but the ability to efficiently move cargo, passengers, medical supplies and bring people out [of danger] is something that AMC and USTRANSCOM are very good at," said General Kane. According to Pete Johnson, Federal Co-Chairman of Delta Regional Authority, their time at AMC and USTRANSCOM helped them to see how the military is prepared for disaster relief and available to assist at the local level. AMC played an essential role in responding to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, launching nearly 900 sorties to support relief efforts. Mobility forces moved more than 14,600 passengers, nearly 3,000 patients, and hauled the equivalent of 686 semi-truckloads of supplies to and from the Gulf Coast region. "This nation is good at what we do, both from a military operational perspective, but also from a humanitarian, taking care of our own because we coordinate, cooperate and write business rules and agreements that include team building," said General Kane. During their visit to USTRANSCOM and AMC, the DRA representatives had an opportunity to see how all services work together to assist the United States during a time of need. "The men and women of the Armed Services are doing a fine job to protect and take care of our country. It is our job to make sure they in turn get everything they need so they can do their job," said Mr. Johnson. Aeromedical evacuations are another asset used when assisting communities during disasters. Near the end of the visit, the DRA representatives toured C-17, KC-135, C-130 and C-21 aircraft equipped to perform aeromedical evacuation missions. The DRA delegates left very impressed with the technology and command in control agencies that watch the world, said General Kane. The Delta Regional Authority was established by Congress in 2000 to enhance economic development and improve the quality of life for residents living in Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. Through this alliance, federal and state governments work together to achieve a better life for the residents of every region on the Mississippi River Delta.