Southern California Edison Utility crew exiting a Westover,

Southern California Edison Utility crew exiting a Westover, ARB C-5B Galaxy Hurricane Sandy Lean Forward Airlift response Nov. 2, 2012. Airlift of support of crew and utility vehicles that will be used to restore power 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, N.Y., 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. This APOD mission is a great opportunity for the men and women of the 105th AW to participate in our highest priority mission that is preventing loss of life and property and preventing further pain and suffering. This mission is a joint effort involving the NYANG, the NYARNG, NYNM, the NYG as well as our counterparts at Tanker Airlift Control Center, National Guard Bureau and 18th AF to mention a few. In addition to this important APOD mission, we have hundreds of personnel involved in Hurricane Sandy relief missions down in the greater Metro NY area. The complexity of and effort involved in this APOD mission directly corresponds to the importance of the effort to the overall Hurricane relief effort. We are all grateful for the opportunity to help our fellow New Yorkers in another way.