105th Airlift Wing Key Hub in 18th Air Force "Lean Forward" support of East Coast relief efforts

STEWART ANGB NEWBURGH, N.Y. --Travis loadmasters and 105th LRS Aerial Port air guardsmen off-load a support vehicle belonging to the Southern California Edison utility company from a C-5B Galaxy. The vehicles staged at the 105th Airlift Wing will move out to support efforts to restore power and provide humanitarian assistance to the stricken region. Part of the USNORTHCOM Defense Support of Civil Authorities mission directs the command to plan and anticipate actions that it may need to take to support civil authorities. USNORTHCOM plays an important role in disaster response; however, all efforts FOR HURRICANE SANDY are in support of FEMA, working closely with state and local officials. Newburgh NY is showing why it is known as the Crossroads of the Northeast. The strategic importance of the 105th AW, located near the major Northeast lines of communication like Route 87, Route 84, the Hudson River, major rail lines, Stewart airport as well as our proximity to the metropolitan New York city area are being put to the test as the 105th AW stands up an Aerial Port of Debarkation (APOD) mission on less than 12 hours notification. This APOD mission will bring critical power line reconstruction personnel and equipment from the West Coast to the Northeast, expediting the return of power to our fellow citizens.