Initial Response Hub: Bridging the Gap Between State and Federal Resources.

摘要

Despite all the lessons learned in the wake of 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, state and local governments still lack an air-centric entity to quickly assess damage and to assist in initial recovery coordination. The intent of this paper is to propose an Initial Response Hub (IRH) which will be at the disposal of each states governor and will assist him at a time of crisis. The IRH will include capabilities of airfield command and control, ramp operations to on load and offload cargo, search and rescue capability, medical assistance and analysis, as well as airlift to deliver people and supplies via airland or airdrop. The IRH will be at the crisis location within 5 hours of being alerted. Once the IRH arrives, the various members will assess the situation through the lens of their specialty, and this quick assessment and analysis will help determine the strategy for crisis recovery. This paper will demonstrate the need for the IRH as well as how it should be funded. As part of the funding formula, the size and structure of the organization, as well as the concept of operations, will be presented. Throughout this paper will be illustrations of how the IRH will enhance recovery efforts from natural and manmade disasters