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Holloman prepares to support Hurricane Sandy relief efforts

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Carolyn Herrick
  • 49th Wing Public Affairs
The 49th Materiel Maintenance Group from Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., is preparing Nov. 2 to ship equipment in support of Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.

This equipment includes 58,000 pounds of cargo consisting of two water pumps capable of pumping 400 gallons of water per minute, 12,000 feet of hose, and two containers of system support items.

"We are ready to support ... the President of the United States and humanitarian relief efforts anytime, anyplace, at a moment's notice," said Chief Master Sgt. Wendy Rowe, 49th MMG superintendent. "We can provide a complete base for 3,500 personnel including work and aircraft maintenance facilities to support 72 combat aircraft or tailor down to just a specific requirement. The 49th MMG is the only organic BEAR unit and deemed the 'center of excellence' for BEAR assets."

The 49th MMG, better known as BEAR (Basic Expeditionary Airfield Resources) Base, hosts more than 430 personnel and is responsible for bare base assets worth over $256 million. It is the only BEAR Base group in the Air Force.

"We have talented, motivated personnel ready for the challenge and the opportunity to put their skills to use," said Rowe. "Our Airmen get great satisfaction out of being able to aid those impacted by the hurricane. But at the end of the day, war is our profession ... readiness is our business."

"We are prepared to deploy anytime, anywhere to aid civilian efforts to recover from the devastating effects of a natural disaster - in this case, Hurricane Sandy on the East Coast," said Col. Andrew Croft, 49th Wing commander. "Our hearts go out to those who were affected by this horrendous storm."

Previous 49th MMG relief and support efforts include: Operation Just Cause - Panama; Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm; Operation Provide Comfort - Turkey; Operation Uphold Democracy - Haitian and urban relief efforts; Hurricane Andrew relief; continuing enhanced counter narcotics operations throughout the Caribbean and Latin America; space shuttle contingency support; Operations Deny Flight and Provide Promise - Croatia; Operation Joint Endeavor - Bosnia; Presidential support missions to Africa and China; and Operation Southern Watch - Southwest Asia.