Posted on 04/30/2010 8:57:58 PM PDT by ErnstStavroBlofeld
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has authorized two Air Force Reserve C-130H aircraft to support the response to a massive oil slick that threatens wetlands and beaches along the Gulf Coast, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell confirmed today.
In addition, the Navy has dispatched 66,000 feet of inflatable oil boom with anchoring equipment, along with seven skimming systems and their supporting gear to the region, Navy Lt. Myers Vasquez reported.
The C130 crews, assigned to the 910th Airlift Wing’s 757th Airlift Squadron at the Youngstown Air Reserve Station in Ohio, had prepositioned in Mississippi in anticipation of the tasking.
“We are posturing to be ready to provide support to the ongoing emergency efforts if called upon,” said Air Force Col. Craig Peters, the 910th Operations Group commander.
Weather currently is hampering the aircraft from operating, Morrell said, but flights could begin as soon as tomorrow.
The aircraft are equipped with Modular Aerial Spray Systems used for aerial spray missions, Air Force Master Sgt. Bob Barko Jr., the wing’s public affairs superintendent, told American Forces Press Service.
They are expected to be called on to help disperse the oil slick in accordance with a 1996 memo of understanding between the Air Force and Coast Guard, Air Force officials said.
The 910th is home to the only full-time, fixed-wing, large-area aerial spray unit within the Department of Defense. The unit conducts spray missions at military installations and their surrounding communities, primarily to control biting insects as well as vegetation growth on bombing ranges, Barko said.
(Excerpt) Read more at defense.gov ...
Versatility ^__^
So why did they wait til the oil was about to hit the beaches?
Photo ops of bad, bad, big evil oil....
Why has Obama waited 10 days to even visit one state impacted? Well he did have that Muslim Entrepreneureal summit thing...
Hey Obama...good job of latching that door after the horse has fled.
"Illinois and the Obama administration now have to do what they said they would and come up with a way to stop the Asian carp from entering Lake Michigan en masse."
Only a drug-addled mind could find a linkage between these two stories.
Seek help.
Obama has a tendency to sit on his hands. One of his suggestions for the Asian carp crisis was to propose a study on preventing the infestation that would be concluded about 2 years after the carp would have take over Lake Michigan. I saw it as a connection in his style of governing anyway. And In all seriousness I never touch drugs (well except for Nicotine occasionally)... for a variety of reasons. Anyway have a great night : )
I saw it as a connection in his style of governing
Ok. Now that you explain your observation, it makes sense. I agree with you. Obama does have a tendency to sit on his hands.
That sort of behavior isn't unusual for uber bureaucrats like Obama, who do tend to react slowly to crisis. I think it's because they have no personal connection to the suffering of other people. Like the royals of old, they're part of an elite class who are insulated from reality by wealth and power.
Thanks for finally posting some thoughts. You had me worried there.
I am the first to admit I don’t explain myself well at times.
It is good when people have a better idea about what the heck the other is talking about on the internets.
: )
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