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Logistics Support Wing Aids Hurricane Response

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS050922-18
Release Date: 9/22/2005 9:30:00 PM

From Journalist Seaman Joseph R. Wax, Navy Reserve Readiness Command South Public Affairs

FORT WORTH, Texas (NNS) -- Members of Commander, Fleet Logistics Support Wing (CFLSW), based at Naval Air Station (NAS) Joint Reserve Base (JRB) Fort Worth, Texas, have been at the forefront of the relief operations in and out of the Gulf Coast since Aug. 30.

CFLSW coordinates 15 squadrons around the United States to provide responsive, flexible and rapidly deployable air logistic support to the fleet.

The first fixed-wing relief flight flown into New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina was piloted by Capt. Peter R. Davenport, CFLSW commander. He flew a C-130, carrying water, Meals Ready to Eat (MRE) and generators from the emergency operations center in Fort Worth. In addition to Seabees attached to NAS JRB Fort Worth, they were responsible for returning power and other necessary functions to NAS JRB New Orleans.

“I am proud we had the flexibility and the capability to be one of the first responders to the area,” said Davenport.

According to Davenport, flights to New Orleans could only land during the day because there were no lights, nor was there any air traffic communication.

“We landed based on visual flight rules and coordination with the helicopter pilots in the area,” said Davenport.

Flights continued in and out of the Gulf Coast for the next three days in an informal manner until Joint Task Force Katrina took over operations Sept. 2, commanded by Army Lt. Gen. Russel Honore.

Starting Sept. 2, CFLSW went readied all of their available aircrews and became a major air component, evacuating civilians out of the New Orleans area. They were able to evacuate approximately 3,000 people between Sept. 2 and Sept. 4, and have continued the effort, transporting approximately 6,000 people to date.

"The people were overjoyed to see us," said Cmdr. Troy Kennedy, CFLSW operations officer. "They just wanted to get out of there."

CFLSW has not only been concerned with getting evacuees out, they have been heavily involved with getting supplies in. Flying multiple missions daily, the crews of CFLSW have been able to deliver approximately 2.5 million pounds of supplies and aid to the affected areas.

They have continued with the daily flights in and out of the Gulf Coast region in addition to their normal work schedule, supplying the airlift logistics required for the Navy fleets around the world.

“Our normal mission is to be responsive to the fleet,” said Lt. Cmdr. Chris Fordham, a CFLSW operations officer. “This time we were responsive to the American people.”

CFLSW continues to work overtime for the relief effort. Their crews have flown a total of 114 missions, carrying in supplies to aid those affected and help in the rebuilding process, and transporting evacuees to temporary homes where they can begin to piece their lives back together.

“We have been able to help our fellow Americans,” said Kennedy. “It makes you feel pretty darn good.”

“You get a sense of satisfaction being able to help those people during their time of need,” said Davenport.