Hurricane IKE After Action Report. September 12, September 17, 2008

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1 Hurricane IKE After Action Report September 12, September 17,

2 Hurricane Ike After Action Report September 12, 2008 thru September 17, 2008 Preface The Prepositioned Equipment Program deployed two POD s to support the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Urban Search and Rescue, Red and Blue Incident Support Teams for Hurricane IKE. The Red IST was located in the Cajundome in Lafayette, Louisiana. The Blue IST was located at the Reliant Center in Houston, Texas. PST-7 was deployed to support the Blue IST in Houston, Texas and PST-6, Georgia was deployed to support the Red IST. The alerts, activations and deployments all went very smoothly and the teams were on the road prior to the two hour time requirement. On arrival at their respective locations, both teams were self sufficient for the entire mission. Sleeping was done in the tractor sleeping compartments and the Command tent using the log package. Although no equipment was actually issued, the teams assisted the US&R and IST in their operations and interacted with all the US&R teams assigned with them. The PST and US&R teams trained together and came away with a better understanding of each mission requirement. A full briefing will be presented on October 2, 2008 to the Government, SAIC and PST personnel. There were a few issues that were identified during the response that we have identified and have already been corrected, or a resolution is in progress. Overall the Hurricane Ike Response was a success and the PEP responded very competently and professionally. 2

3 Summary Pre-positioned Equipment Program Deployment Control Center September 12, September 17, 2008 After Action Report Hurricane Ike The PEP Management Team(PMT) was notified at 1520 hrs EDT, September 12, 2008, to prepare to support the Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA)/Urban Search and Rescue (US&R)/Incident Support Team (IST) for the impending hurricane. At this time the Deployment Control Center (DCC) was activated and staffed by PMT personnel. Incident Hurricane Ike came ashore as a Category 2 hurricane with wind speeds of 110 mph, one mph below a Category 3 storm. While its wind speed was not catastrophic, it was large and caused destruction from Houston, Texas to Lake Charles, Louisiana. It created a huge surge of water into the Galveston, Texas area with widespread destruction. Notification The PMT immediately notified PST s 5, 6 and 7 to prepare for the potential deployment to preposition with FEMA/US&R/IST. At 1630 hours EDT, September 12, 2008, Mr. Allen Ashbolt, Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC) requested that PST-7 be activated to deploy to Hurricane Incident. PST-7 (Texas) was ordered to deploy to the Cajundome, 104 University Avenue, Lafayette, LA , at 1700 hours and to report to the FEMA IST contacts Pete Bakersky or Tim Gallagher. At 0907 EDT, September 13, 2008, PST-6 (Georgia) was ordered to deploy to the Cajundome in Lafayette, LA. Deployment At 1820 hrs. EDT, PST-7, Jerral Rippetoe, PST-7 Lead, deployed with 5 members arriving at the Cajundome at 0110 hours EDT, September 13, 2008, and reported in with the IST contacts. At 1010hrs EDT, PST-7 was advised that when PST-6 arrives they would redeploy to the Reliant Center, Houston, Texas. Jesse Bors, PST-6 Lead and 7 members deployed for the Cajundome at 1030 hrs EDT, September 13, 2008 and arrived at 2200 hours. PST-7 was advised to delay their redeploy to the Reliant Center until 3

4 morning due to the flooded interstate 10 and potential driving hazards at night. They deployed at 0830 EDT, September 13, 2008 and arrived at 1310 EDT September 13, Upon arrival at the Reliant Center and Cajundome, the PST s set up their Base of Operations ( BOO) as directed by the IST Leaders. Deployment Control Center The DCC was set up at 1520 hrs EDT September 12,2008. The Deployment Control Center is located in the conference room of SAIC, 16 Center Street, Stafford, Va The DCC is staffed 24/7 during a deployment of the Prepositioned Equipment Program (PEP) assets. The staffing includes a minimum of one representative of Marine Corps Systems Command and one member of SAIC PEP Program Management. The DCC is responsible for executing, monitoring and recording all information and direction from DHS/FEMA. All information to PST s deployed will go through the DCC. Features of the DCC are 4 work stations with computers, phones, Audio/visual capabilities and constant TV coverage for up to date disaster monitoring. An alternate DCC was set up at the National Logistics Activity (NLA) at Middletown, NY. It was staffed by the Director and Deputy Director of the NLA. They were tasked with preparing pricing for expendables and the price of a complete PEP POD less vehicles and log package. Demobilization At 0910 EDT, September 16, 2008, PST-6 was demobilized from the Cajundome and enroute to home base. They encountered an mechanical problem enroute with their command vehicle and the convoy was spilt. The two tractor trailers went on to their home base and arrived at their site at 2030 hrs. EDT. Jesse Bors with one member proceeded to Mobile, AL to have the vehicle tires replaced at a GSA authorized facility as directed by GSA contact. They would proceed to home base after repairs and arrive at PST-6 at 2353 hrs EDT. PST-7 was demobilized from the Reliant Center at 0830 hrs EDT, September 17, The team arrived home in Fort Worth, Texas at 1545 hrs EDT. At 1646 hrs EDT, September 17, 2008 the incident was declared closed and the DCC shut down. 4

5 APPENDIX C: Deployment Control Center INTERNAL ORGANIZATION TV EVENTS CHART GPS MONITOR TV Watch CELL WS (COMPUTER, PHONE, AM/FM RADIO, SAT PHONE) LOGISTICS WS (COMPUTER, PHONE) PLANS CELL (COMPUTER, PHONE) (projector) Teleconference OPERATIONS CELL WS (SAT / CELL PHONE, Pre-positioned Equipment Program Deployment Control Center Log DTG Action Friday 12 September Advised by MCSC (Al Ashbolt) to prepare for deployment Notified PST 6 and PST 7 to prepare for deployment NLA prepares ALT DCC Notified PST 7 to activate PST. 5

6 1700 Provided PST 7 with direction and POC at FEMA. 104 University Ave Lafayette LA 70504, contact Pete Bakersky or Tim Gallagher miles 6 1/2 hours. Provided by Al Ashbolt via Provided travel ROM for PST deployment Provided Pete Bakersky contact info and ETA for PST 7, PST will locate at the Cajundome Don Daigler notified MCSC that the teams will be supporting Region 5 IMAT Eric Gentry and Larry Sommers PST 7 staffed and ready for deployment PST 7 Deploys with Lead- Jerral Rippetoe and Field Service Technicians- Mark Watson, Lance Usrey, Gilbert Crouch, Michael Rawson, and Ken Knotts Notified NRCC Burt Clark of deployment, directed to notify Ops desk NRCC Steve Parisi Notified Pete Bakersky US&R IST of contact numbers for Dan Bickham and Mike Venegoni Closed DCC transfer phones to Mike Venegoni and Dan Bickham Contacted PST 7 for update and was informed they have moved into Louisiana. Saturday 13 September 2008 (con t) 0110 PST 7 arrives at location and coordinates with POC for directions, told to standby for further guidance Al Ashbolt and Mike Venegoni conduct briefing and stand up the DCC Notified PST 7 that they were authorized to issue equipment to US&R contact only per FEMA (Don Daigler) Notified PST 6 to deploy to Cajundome Lafayette LA FEMA provides official guidance to deploy PST 6, mission will be to relive PST 7 in Lafayette, Louisiana so they can deploy to Houston TX. 6

7 1010 FEMA directs PST 7 to move to Reliant Center, Houston TX once PST 6 arrives, PST 7 will contact Dave Webb at 1700 at FEMA HQ for POCs and additional directions PST 6 deploys with Lead- Jess Bors and Field Service Technicians- Doug Rowlett, Joseph Boggs, Jim Hudgell, Mike Prince, John Clemens, Chris Harper, and Randy Blanchard PST 6 provides movement update approximate ETA is 20:43 CST Dan Bickham arrives at DCC for duty Lindy Hemming arrives at DCC for duty Briefed PST s 7 & 6 at 1500 hrs on Sit Rep from Don Daigler. They are in direct support for the FEMA US&R and IST. Any other requests for equipment go through DCC. Advised to keep good logs of mission activities. Refuel vehicles at ½ tank. Report in to DCC every 2 hours. All equipment is to be issued as a LOAN at this time with accurate documentation to whom it is issued to. PST-6 has just entered Mississippi enroute to Lafayette, Louisiana Allen Ashbolt off duty Mike Venegoni off duty Made contact with Don Roy, IST POA MOB and Don Booth IST LOG Chief. They advised that PST-7 will need their own cots, MRE s and water. Vehicles will have secure location. Contact info: Don Roy , Don Booth Saturday 13 September 2008(con t) 1730 PST-6 reported in. They are in Jackson Mississippi getting fuel and dinner. They have made contact with Tim Gallagher at the Cajundome and communicated their ETA. Their ETA to the Cajundome is 2100 CST PST-7 called in. Was given contact info for Don Roy and Don Booth in Houston. Will call back after talking to them and will move to Houston Rippetoe called back and was advised by Don Roy that it would better for them to stay at the Cajundome until 0700 tomorrow September 14, Advised Allen Ashbolt of update on the PST-7 move to Houston. He concurred. PST-7 will stay at Cajundome until 0700 September 14,

8 1845 Sent Hurricane Ike update to all sites Called Larry Kelly to work DCC tomorrow 1400 hours DCC shut down until tomorrow DCC made contact with PST 6. They stated they arrived at approximately 2200 hours with no issues. Sunday 14 September DCC stood up Al Ashbolt and Mike Venegoni PST 7 departs Lafayette, La. enroute to Houston TX, Reliant Center PST 6 sets up BOO in preparation for issuing equipment to IST/US&R Informed PST 7 to contact Texas State Troopers for an alternate route due to closures on I PST 7 taking alternate route US 90 due to flooding on I Received SIT REP from PST 6 still setting up at this time PST 7 arrives at Reliant Stadium Houston, TX Dan Bickham arrives for duty Larry Kelly, PST-9, on duty Sunday 14 September 2008 (con t) 1400 Allen Ashbolt off duty 1430 Mike Venegoni off duty 1445 Jerral Rippetoe is setting up. Checked in with Dave Webb and waiting instructions. Dave Webb told them to look into hotels Jesse Bors checked in. They are set up and ready to support US&R and IST Allen Ashbolt called and asked to make sure the guys keep good logs on communications and requests during the deployment. Rippetoe and Bors notified. 8

9 1700 Jesse Bors called in. Will attend 1900 CST SITREP meeting and report back Received several reports from PST-6. Put in Hurricane Ike folder 1914 Jerral Rippetoe reported in. No requests from US&R. Could not get hotels. Will be staying at Reliant Stadium Houston, TX. Will call in at 0800 tomorrow unless put to work Allen Ashbolt and Mike Venegoni updated on team s status. DCC shutting down for the night. Rippetoe and Bors notified. Monday September 15, Dan Bickham on duty 0720 Mike Venegoni on duty Jerral Rippetoe reported in. Going to SITREP meeting and then will report back Jesse Bors reported in from Cajun Dome. Was told at morning briefing that it looks like they are anticipating demobilization tomorrow. Should be able to breakdown BOO and demobilize within 2 hours after the order is given Per Dave Webb, Houston, PEP (PST-7) is there for additional PPE if needed. At least three more days of SAR work and one day of demobilization. Dave Webb has communicated this with Don Daigler. Monday September 15, 2008 (con t) 1100 Jesse Bors called with report. US&R IST anticipates release of PEP assets in Lafayette, LA 0800 on Tim Gallagher called and advised of possibly releasing all assets 0800 hours on Contacted Jesse Bors advising of Wes Rogers father in-laws passing. The plan for PST-6 at this time is to demobilize at 0800 hours on Cancelled Jerral Rippetoe s hotel for tomorrow at Hampton Inn Garrisonvile, Va. Employee Alex, confirmation number Called Don Booth to assist Rippetoe with internet access. 9

10 Tuesday September 16, PST-6 plans to demobilize at 0800 Central Time.. Will check out with FEMA US&R IST Leader PST-7 awaiting instructions from IST. Directed to call in at noon and 1600 EDT PST-6 has been demobilized and returning home. Directed to call in at noon, and when they get back to home base Allen Ashbolt advised PST-7 Lead Jerral Rippetoe of possible demobilization tomorrow Assisted Jerral Rippetoe in resetting password for time sheet recording Jesse Bors PST-6, called and advised they were entering Mississippi. They plan to stop for fuel and dinner in Montgomery Alabama. ETA to home site 1900 hrs EDT. Will call in 1600 hours EDT PST-7 called in. All is well, anticipating demobilization at 0800 hours on 9/17/2008. Will call in at 1600 hrs EDT Jesse Bors PST-6 just called with a blow out of the left front tire. Will put spare on and proceed to tire shop Jesse Bors reported GSA is directing them to Mobile, Alabama to have four tires replaced on the suburban. Jesse with one Field Service Technician will back track about 20 miles to have the tire replaced. The rest of the crew will continue to home base John Clemons. PST-6 acting Deputy, called in to say everything was well and continuing to home base. ETA 2000 hrs. Advised to call me when they are off duty. Jesse Bors still getting tires replaced and should be about two hours behind Jerral Rippetoe, PST-7, everything going well. Unless there is a mission will check in tomorrow Jerral Rippetoe called and said he was advised that PST-7 will demobilize at 0800 hours on 9/17/

11 2030 John Clemons, acting PST-6 Deputy, advised that the trucks and 6 part timers were back at home site and off duty. Wednesday September 17, Jerral Rippetoe, Pst-7, has been demobilized by FEMA US&R/IST. ETA to home base 3-4 hours 1100 Jerral Rippetoe called Lindy Hemming and asked her to cancel the air tickets for today s trip to Dallas/Fort Worth Tickets cancelled for Jerral Rippetoe per Lindy Hemming Jerral Rippetoe advised that PST-7 still enroute to home base. ETA Jerral Rippetoe reported PST-7 back at home base Closing running log on Hurricane Ike. All assets back to normal response mode. 11

12 Pre-positioned Equipment Program PST-7 Texas After Action Report Hurricane Ike Summary PST-7 was deployed on 9/12/2008 to the Cajun Dome in Lafayette, Louisiana at 1530 hrs. CDT to support the rescue efforts of the Red IST and FEMA US&R Teams in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike. PST-7 was redeployed on 9/14/2008 to Reliant Center in Houston, Texas at 0730 CDT to support the rescue efforts of the Blue IST and FEMA US&R Teams operating in south Texas. Incident Hurricane Ike came ashore as a Category 2 hurricane with wind speeds of 110 mph, one mph below a Category 3 storm. While its wind speed was not catastrophic, it was large and caused destruction from Houston, Texas to Lake Charles Louisiana. It created a huge surge of water into the Galveston, Texas area with widespread destruction. Notification PST-7 Lead Jerral Rippetoe was notified by Mike Venegoni at 1530 hrs. CDT on 9/12/2008 to deploy PST-7 s assets to Lafayette, Louisiana. Deployment notifications were sent out to the White Team members and their backups. All deployment members were on site with final preparations and checklists completed at 1720 hrs. Deployment PST-7 deployed at 1720 hrs., which was 1 hour and 40 minutes after notification was received. Our route was Loop 820 south to Interstate 20 eastbound to Shreveport, Louisiana. At Shreveport we took Interstate 49 southbound into Lafayette, Louisiana. Due to Interstate travel routes and good weather, PST-7 opted to proceed without escort. Escorts would not have improved our ETA and would have taxed an already busy Department of Public Safety. PST-7 arrived at the Cajun Dome at 0130 hrs. on 9/13/2008 without incident and contacted Mike Polidoro with the Red IST and informed him of our 12

13 arrival. Contact was made, at 0600hrs. on 9/13/2008, with Tim Gallagher, IST Leader, and he briefed us on our mission goals. PST-7 s mission goal was to support the Red IST Team and US&R Teams in the field with any needed assets. On the night of 9/13/2008, contact was made with Jesse Bors to meet his convoy on Interstate 10 and to facilitate their arrival at the Cajun Dome. PST-7 used our Suburban to guide them to their designated parking space at the Cajun Dome. Jerral Rippetoe briefed Jesse Bors on the accommodations and location of the command center. Upon arrival at the command center PST-7 and PST-6 attended the evening briefing at the IST. PST-7 was notified of redeployment to Houston, Texas on the day of 9/13/2008 and the decision was made by the DCC for us to move to Houston at 0700hrs. on the morning of 9/14/2008. PST-7 departed Lafayette at the prescribed time and proceeded to Houston without incident. PST-7 arrived at the Reliant Center in Houston, Texas at 1300hrs. on the afternoon of 9/14/2008. PST-7 encountered road closings on Interstate 10 and made the decision to divert to U.S. 90 which brought us into north Houston. Upon arrival at Reliant Center, PST-7 made contact with Don Roy, Don Booth, and Dave Webb at the Blue IST command center. Base of Operation PST-7 made the Cajun Dome its base of operation on 9/13/2008. The decision was made not to set up the Western Shelter because of information received from the DCC of a probable move to Houston the following day. Upon arrival in Houston on 9/14/2008, PST-7 set up its base of operations at Reliant Center in the parking lot. The Western Shelter was utilized along with cones placed around the perimeter for security. One generator was utilized for power and internet capability was established. No shower facilities were available on 9/14/2008, so the decision was made to contact the Houston Fire Department to ask permission to shower at Station 33. Permission was granted and all PST members were taken to Station 33 to shower. A shower trailer arrived the following day at Reliant Center on 9/15/2008. Operations PST-7 utilized the NIMS system of incident command on a small scale. Teams were divided into the following branches: command, logistics, operations, and safety. Command was responsible for communication with the IST, supervision of the entire operation, and all documentation. Logistics was responsible for securing needed items and repairs. Operations was responsible for the timely and efficient distribution of equipment to the IST. Safety was responsible for risk management. PST Personnel Jerral Rippetoe Lead 13

14 Mark Watson Acting Deputy Lead Gilbert Crouch Operations Ken Knotts Safety Michael Rawson Logistics Lance Usrey Operations Demobilization PST-7 was given the demobilization order on 9/16/2008 at 1430hrs. from Dave Webb. Orders were to demobilize at 0800hrs. the following morning. PST-7 began preparations for demobilization; fueled equipment, loaded gator and ramps, broke down shelter, etc. PST-7 met with the Texas Department of Public Safety, on scene, to give us an escort to Interstate 45. Our route was north on Interstate 45 to U.S. 287 into Fort Worth, arriving at PST warehouse at 1430hrs. on September 19, Operational Areas for Improvement The items listed below are not intended to point blame or failure on any person, group or organization. These items are observations made by PST-7 that could provide for safer and more efficient operations. GSA VOYAGER CARDS PST 7 was unable to use the GSA Voyager card in Alexandria, Louisiana. The truck stop honored the card but was unable to process the transaction due to the limit of $ placed on the card. When we attempted to contact GSA through the 800 number, we got a message that stated: Due to the emergency operations in the Gulf coast region, we are unable to connect you to a GSA representative. Please call back later. We were fortunate that the truck stop accepted the American Express P-card. PST Lead Jerral Rippetoe Deputy Lead Mark Watson Operations Lance Usrey Gilbert Crouch Logistics Michael Rawson Safety Ken Knotts 14

15 Hurricane Ike Log PST 7 9/ hrs. Received call from Mike Venegoni that PST 7 had been deployed to Lafayette, Louisiana in support of the Hurricane Ike relief effort. 9/ hrs. Departure from PST 7 to Cajun Dome in Lafayette, Louisiana. 9/ hrs. Arrival in Lafayette, Louisiana. 9/ hrs. Signed in at Cajun Dome (Contact Mike Polidoro). 9/ hrs. Contacted Tim Gallagher (IST Leader) and Pete Bakersky (EST9 Leader and they briefed us on our mission goals. 9/ hrs. Operational briefing. 9/ hrs. Rippetoe briefed Mike Polidoro (Haz-Mat) on PST 7 s inventory. 9/ hrs. Rippetoe briefed Clyde Buchanan (Logistics) on PST 7 s inventory. 9/ hrs. Made call to Mike Venegoni and Dan Bickham and briefed them on operational readiness. 9/ hrs. Call received from DCC informing us of move to Houston upon PST 6 s arrival in Lafayette. 9/ hrs. Decision was made by DCC to postpone PST 7 s deployment to Houston until 0700 hrs. on 9/14. 9/ hrs. In contact with PST 6 to intercept them on Interstate 10 and lead them into the Cajun Dome. 9/ hrs. Briefed Jess Bors on situation in Lafayette and assisted his crew with accommodations. 9/ hrs. Departed Lafayette, Louisiana for Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas. 9/ hrs. Arrived at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas. 9/ hrs. Established points of contact in Houston; Don Roy, Don Booth, and Dave Webb. 9/ hrs. Provided copy of stock status report to Don Roy hrs. Setup BOO in parking lot of Reliant Stadium. 9/ hrs. Made contact with DCC and received operational instructions from Dan Bickham. 9/ hrs. Met with Dave Webb at command post to determine equipment needs of USAR teams. 9/ hrs. Made attempt to secure hotel rooms for PST crew and was unsuccessful. 9/ hrs Secured permission to utilize showers at Houston Fire Station 33. 9/ hrs Secured permission to utilize washer and dryer at Houston Fire Station 21 to launder crews clothing. 9/ hrs Established data connection at base of operations. 15

16 9/ hrs. Second attempt to locate available hotel rooms. 9/ hrs. Received call from Dan Bickham concerning operational instructions. 9/ hrs. Received daily Operational Action Plan. 9/ hrs. Met with various USAR teams concerning daily deployment and tasks. 9/ hrs. Received call from Allen Ashbolt concerning possible deactivation orders on 9/17. 9/ hrs. Performed maintenance on gators and generators. Found one generator to be inoperative. 9/ hrs. Determined generator had a bad spark plug and purchased a new one at auto supply store. 9/ hrs. Installed new spark plug in generator and placed it back into service. 9/ hrs. Met with Dave Webb and received orders to deactivate at 0800hrs. on the morning of 9/17. 9/ hrs. Took snapshots of ISU containers for Dave Webb and downloaded them onto his computer. 9/ hrs. Began preparations for deactivation; fueled equipment, loaded gator and ramps, etc. 9/ hrs. Policed BOO in preparation for departure. 9/ hrs. Began preparations for departure; disassembled western shelter, stowed away all items used in BOO, and safety check of tractor trailer rigs. 9/ hrs. Checked out with Planning and told them of our departure. 9/ hrs. Met with Texas Department of Public Safety and arranged for a police escort to Interstate 45. 9/ hrs. Arrived at PST 7 warehouse and secured equipment. 9/ hrs. Completed log and timesheet. 16

17 Summary Pre-positioned Equipment Program PST-6 Georgia After Action Report Hurricane Ike PST-6 was activated on Sept. 13, 2008 at 09:08 and deployed to the Cajun Dome on the University of Louisiana campus in Lafayette, Louisiana to support the Red IST and FEMA US&R teams working search and rescue missions in the local area in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike. Incident Hurricane Ike a category 2 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale came ashore in the Galveston / Houston, Texas area on Sept. 12, 2008 causing major infrastructure damage and loss of life. Notification PST-6 Lead Jess Bors was notified via phone by Mike Venegoni at 09:08 on September 13, Deployment notifications were sent out to all PST-6 members. All deployment team members were on site with final preparations and checklist completed within 1 hr. 30 min. Deployment The deployment of PST-6 was very smooth. The advanced planning and preparation conducted by the PST allowed for a well choreographed loading and final preparation of the vehicles. Contacts were made with the Henry County Sheriff and Georgia State Police to facilitate an escort to the Alabama State line. The Henry County Sheriff Deputy met us as we were departing our site and escorted PST-6 vehicles to the interstate. The Georgia State Police picked us up enroute on the interstate within 15 min. of our 17

18 departure. Each State PST-6 traveled thru (Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana) provided a law enforcement escort upon request relieving the previous state patrol as PST-6 crossed the state line. PST-6 arrived at its predetermined staging area the Cajun Dome 104 University Ave. Lafayette, La at 20:25 Sept. 13, 2008 without incident. Contact was made with Tim Gallager IST Red Team Lead. PST-6 Command attended the evening briefing, held a brief team meeting and bedded down the PST-6 team for the night. Base of Operation Contact was made with Tim Gallager, Red IST Lead, Ground Support personnel, and Logistics personnel. The PST-6 Base of Operations was established at the Cajun Dome, located 104 University Ave. Lafayette, Louisiana. This was facility was the staging area for the Red IST and 6 FEMA US&R teams from around the country. Power and restrooms were available at this location. Meals were also provided to responders by a catering service. The full PST-6 Base of Operations was established. All cans were kept in a secured manner but available to meet the needs of any of the FEMA US&R Teams should the need arise. The Shelter was set-up, all computer equipment was unloaded and set-up to facilitate the distribution of equipment and inspections of all equipment and vehicles were conducted. Operations The preplanning by PST-6 has facilitated the development of an effective operations model. The PST is divided into to working groups. Group 1: Command & Administration This group consisted of three personnel and is responsible for supervision of the PST, all communications with local authorities, the DCC, and all documentation. Group 2: Operations This group consisted of 5 personnel and is responsible for the unloading, inventorying and distribution of requested equipment and supplies. This concept of operations has proven to be effective tool in managing this deployment. The PST-6 deployment organizational chart is attached to this document. Over the course of the deployment, the requesting, approval and issue of equipment would have gone very smoothly had there been a need for any of the FEMA US&R teams to obtain PEP assets. PST Personnel 18

19 The PST-6 personnel worked well together during this operation. Each team member possessed a unique skill-set that proved to be necessary during this deployment. The team members participating in this deployment exercise are as follows: Jess Bors Lead John Clemens Acting Deputy Lead Randy Blanchard Operations Team Lead Chris Harper Command Staff Support Jim Hudgell Logistics Specialist / Safety Officer Doug Rowlett Logistics Specialist Joseph Boggs Logistics Specialist Mike Prince Logistics Specialist Demobilization PST-6 recognized the importance of communicating our demobilization to all of the incident management team and followed the ICS and FEMA US&R procedures assuring that disengaging the PEP assets met with the accepted protocol. Upon receipt of the Demobilization Orders the team was able to depart the Base of Operations on schedule. Operational Areas for Improvement The items listed below are not intended to point blame or failure on any person, group or organization. These items are observations made by PST-6 that could provide for a safer and more efficient operation. PST-6 also recognizes that every deployment will be different and presents unique operational challenges. IMPROVED COMMUNICATION -. The ability to use and fax from the BoO would greatly increase the flow of information from the Base of Operation and personnel within the response structure, at the same time cutting down on the use of phone communication. The use of Air Cards is an affordable and effective way to improve communications in the field and should be considered for each PST. The current Satellite phones are old and inefficient. Numerous attempts to use the current PST-6 Satellite phone were unsuccessful. New phones should be considered. PERSONAL NEEDS Each team should scrutinize the contents of each member s bag to assure that adequate clothing and personal effects have been packed and are in sufficient quantity to provide for a multi-day deployment. Rain gear should be a part of the logistics equipment in case inclement weather is encountered. 19

20 TOOLS A small set of mechanic tools to facilitate minor repairs or other needs as they arise. Deployed PST-6 Team Members: Back Row, L to R: Jim Hudgell, Mike Prince, Chris Harper, Joseph Boggs Front Row, L to R: John Clemens, Doug Rowlett, Jess Bors Randy Blanchard Pre Positioned Support Team 6 20

21 Hurricane IKE Organizational Chart PST Lead Jess Bors Deputy Lead John Clemens Lead Staff Chris Harper Team Safety Jim Hudgell Team Leader Logistic Specialist Randy Blanchard Logistic Specialist Doug Rowlett Logistic Specialist JR Boggs Logistic Specialist Mike Prince 21

22 PST-6 LOG HURRICANE IKE ACTIVATION DATE TIME ACTIONS TAKEN/NOTES 9/13/ Jess Bors, PST-6 Lead receives a call from Mike Venegoni to activate PST-6 and deploy to Lafayette, LA to support USAR and IST teams PST-6 leaves McDonough HQ in route to Lafayette, LA with the following personnel: Jess Bors, Chris Harper, Jim Hudgell, JR Boggs, John Clemens, Doug Rowlett, Mike Prince, and Randy Blanchard Jess calls PST-7 who is in Lafayette, LA to inform him that we are on the way 1051 Suburban blows a fuse, all Emergency Lights are not operational NOTE: Next deployment, ask for 2 GSP escorts if possible to keep traffic from jumping between convoy. NOTE: Suburban is riding rough, possibly due to tires 1118 Team arrives at Six Flags exit on I20 where next GSP escort picks up 1131 Suburban pulls off exit to fix blown fuse 1142 Suburban fixed mini 20amp fuse 1144 Suburban back on I20 NOTE: Destination is 104 University Ave, Lafayette, LA programmed into GPS 1158 Truck 1 and 2 in Alabama with Ala State Patrol escort 1204 Suburban in Alabama 1204 Bors receives a call from Mike Venegoni requesting NOTE: update on status of team Eta to Lafayette approx 2043 Central time ALA to MS: 1525hrs MS to Jackson MS: 1718 hrs Approx 414 miles from McDonough to Jackson MS, possible refuel point for Trucks and Suburban 9/13/ CST Bors receives a call from Mike V. requesting update and personnel names 1140 Call from PST-7 Lead: Use Cajun Dome drive to program GPS 1158 Load check on Trucks 1 and 2 exit 147 on I Jess calls PST-7 lead reference fuel availability in LA 22

23 NOTE NOTE 1220 Stop at exit 100 for change in ALA Trooper No fuel available 1300 Jess calls PST-7 lead again to obtain fuel availability 1305 Message sent to DCC from Truck 1 via Qualcomm advising that we are stuck in traffic on I Message sent to DCC that units are out of traffic, traveling normal Fuel located at exit 45A, Pilot truck stop in Jackson MS 1427 Jess receives a conference call from Dan Beckham, Mike V., Lindi Herring, and Alan Ashbolt: -Equipment is issued as a LOAN only, get good names and contact info for persons receiving equipment -PST6 supports USAR and IST ONLY -Call DCC every 2 hours to give update, next call at Use Sat phone for Ops check as well 1430 MS State Patrol takes over escort as we enter MS 1605 Jess calls Pete Bakersly , no answer 1607 Jess calls Tim Gallagher to give update 1610 Fuel stop at exit 45A in Jackson, MS Suburban: 32 gallons and 15 gallons in cans for generators, total 47 gallons at $214 Truck 1: gallons, $420 Truck 2: 86.5 gallons, $ Qualcomm message from DCC inquiring if we are on the road 1707 Jess checks in with Wes and gives update 1720 Pick up new MS State Patrol escort at exit Arrive in LA 1810 Jess receives a call from Dan B., DCC is closing for the night will reopen at 0900 any further contact use cell phone. PST-7 will stay the night in LA and return to TX in AM 1815 Unable to reach PST Jess attempts PST-7 lead, they will meet us on I10 and University Ave and take us in 1927 Call from PST-7, they will meet us at Louisiana Ave exit 2025 Arrival at Cajun Dome in Lafayette, LA 2100 Attended OPS briefing and checked in team NOTES from brief: -No Major structural collapse in LA at this time 23

24 -200 rescues so far -Road closures in Cameron parish -Significant power outages in Cameron Parish -Provide ESF 9 support to State Wildlife and Fisheries -Be prepared to provide support within 30 min of activation Task Force Units that PST6 is supporting: Florida 1 and 2 Ohio 1 Maryland 1 Virginia 1 Missouri 1 9/14/ Team Leaders OPS Briefing -Operational Period from 0600 hrs on 9/14/08 to 0600 hours on 9/15/08, per IST IC Jess meets with IMT Tim Gallagher to discuss needs for PST 0715 Team meeting and OP Plan for the day -Trucks to move to location and set up BOO for and prepare to give out assets if needed -Command post will be set up in Convention center NOTE 0730 Breakfast and Safety briefing -Rain expected today 0830 Location found to set up trucks 0830 Richard Castro the IST Ground Support Unit Leader moved BOO area from location originally found to a location south of Incident Office Units check in 0900 Mr. Nabil the Event Manager, assisted PST-6 personnel in securing the new BOO location BOO setup begins 1000 IST requested ICS 218 form 1030 Jess and John meets with Jim Gruenburg the Operations Section Chief reference possible DECON support when the USAR teams return from field this evening Units check in 1100 Jess receives a call from Mike V, requesting update Attempted to use SAT phone several times both in vehicle and out of vehicle cannot find signal, calls fail 1100 BOO Operational 1150 Received battery charging bank from IST for PST-6 24

25 NOTE portable radios 1200 LUNCH Team meeting included -Safety Briefing -Weather -Current Ops status -Inventory control procedure -Afternoon Ops plan 1250 Truck 1 and 2 received copies of Inventory Sheets PST-6 has received several inquires from Task Force leaders and members as to what is the PEP-PST. -Tom Cole FL TF#1TL: Scott Graham MD TF#1 TL: Doug Westoff MO TF#1 TL: Mike Muhl OH TF#1 TL: Joe Knerr VA TF#1 TL: Joe Zahralban FL TF#2 TL: Office set up in Base of Operations (BOO) 1345 PAR all units 1500 Harper and Prince went to Walmart for supplies in Suburban 1545 All units PAR check in 1643 Harper and Prince returned with supplies 1645 PST-6 drivers are assisting IST Ground Support Branch Director with staging and of incoming resources DINNER and Team Meeting 1900 Jess attends Plans meeting -No current PST assistance needed -Teams are still out -Possible demobilization soon 1900 Team off duty per Jess will resume duties at 0700 and team will meet for 0730 breakfast 1930 Team briefed by Team Leader Randy 9/15/ Jess meets with Tim Gallagher IST Lead to discuss daily Op Plan and PEP integration into the OP Plan -Teams still may need equipment today -Possible demobilization tomorrow 0700 BREAKFAST Team Meeting Safety Briefing -Scene security of BOO 25

26 -Drink fluids -Eat well -Rest when possible -Work minimal in sun Ops Plan for the day 0715 Jess calls DCC speaks with Dan Beckham to give update and SITREP 0730 Jess meets with Team Leader Randy Blanchard and Acting Deputy Lead John Clemens to discuss team OP plan for the day 0817 John Clemens asked by Mike Polidoro IST Hazmat Branch Director if PST was deployed yesterday. There was talk during the deployment yesterday and there may be a deployment for PST depending on what the teams find today John receives the current IAP -IAP shows Jerral PST-7 Lead as the contact for PST John sends corrected IAP to Scott Olsen the IC 0910 Team meets to discuss Demob issues Jess and John perform fuel analysis on vehicles -Trucks 600 mile range -Suburban 430 mile range 1000 John Clemens finds a quick reference for Voyager card to better obtain fuel while travelling 1045 Jess meets with Tim Gallagher to discuss PST Jess meets with GIS officers to obtain some maps for AAR and Status reports NOTE Possible fuel stop when leaving is I-65 exit 158 Hope Hull Alabama at the Flying J LUNCH and Team Meeting 1330 Jess speaks with Mike V and Dan B. at DCC and gives update 1335 Trucks taken to TA travel center off University Dr to refuel 1345 Jess checks in with Wes Rogers and gives update 1400 Code of Conduct created for team members to follow on deployments 1445 Trucks and Suburban returned from fueling detail -Suburban: $ Truck 1: $ Truck 2: $ Begin taking down the BOO 1530 BOO loaded on Truck Notified by Scott Olsen notified PST-6 of briefing at 1600 hrs. 26

27 1600 Briefing of Preparation for Demobilization, Scott Olsen requesting minimum of 2 input items for After Action Report from all agencies 1630 End of Briefing Team briefing regarding demobilization procedures, timetables, and team evaluation procedures Begin PST-6 team evaluations End of PST-6 operations for day. 9/16/ Breakfast, and brief team meeting Jess Bors and John Clemens working with ICS team to demobilize PST-6 from incident Team photo in front of Cajun Dome QualComm messages sent PST-6 enroute to McDonough, Georgia Left front tire tread on PST-6 suburban comes off while traveling in return convoy to McDonough, Ga. (70 mph on I miles North of Mobile, Alabama.) All PST-6 vehicles get off interstate at exit 19 I-65 North and stage in Pilot truck stop parking log to access situation Notify Dan Bickham of situation. Develop course of action for situation Contact GSA rep., Short team briefing. Change damaged tire to spare on suburban Jess Bors, Joseph Boggs in PST-6 suburban depart for GSA approved Goodyear tire repair facility in Mobile, Alabama (Backtrack 15 miles). Acting Deputy Lead John Clemens put in charge of PST-6 tractor trailers and to told to return to McDonough, Georgia. Fuel both tractor trailers, lunch for team before departing Arrive Goodyear tire facility. Mobile, Alabama 1700 All Firestone tires (3) on PST-6 suburban replaced with new Goodyear tires with Michelin moved to spare. Depart for McDonough, Georgia Fuel for PST-6 suburban in Satsuma, Alabama 2030 Informed by Acting Deputy Lead John Clemens that PST-6 Tractors and crew arrived back at PST-6 home base McDonough, Georgia without further incident. Post trip inspections begin Jess Bors, Joseph Boggs in PST-6 suburban arrive at PST-6 home base McDonough, Georgia ending mileage End of Hurricane Ike deployment operations for 27

28 PST-6. OTHER NOTES AND SUGGESTIONS Need to have extra fuses in Suburban Min of 2 GSP escorts to keep traffic from breaking between vehicles Having escorts helped, however they need to know that we can go faster than 55mph Rain gear for team members Mop, broom, utility towels, push broom Pre-deployment fuel locations that accept Voyager card Windshield cleaning kits for all vehicles 3 sets of keys for each Tractor 1 can key for each team member, issued and returned at end of deployment Review Pre-deployment list and update where needed Chain and lock arrangement to secure fuel cans and generators and gators Additional bungee cords and rope Use can 10 or other available space to get go bags out of tractors Smaller shorter traffic cones that fit better in boxes Small diameter posts for scene tape perimeter Set of mechanic tools Coolers Steel posts to replace wood posts for gators (Jim will handle this) Raised lights Light package for trucks AGENCY Georgia State Patrol Alabama State Patrol PHONE NUMBERS CONTACT NUMBER Sgt Riggins Dispatch Cpl Ross Mississippi State Patrol Louisiana State Patrol

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