We were fortunate to be able to interview the Captain of the USS Ingraham at a Bloggers’ Roundtable. Our story can be found on-line at Associated Content. Americans can be very proud of this ship and its crew.

Ingraham arrived off the main island of American Samoa overnight September 29-30. Before entering the outer harbor of Pago Pago, the capital of the territory, it was necessary that the harbor be evaluated for damage and depth. Ovios dispatched a small boat, and the millennial-old technology of taking soundings with a weighted line was used. A bosuns mate determined that the outer harbor channels, navigational aids and the draft at pier side were as charted and it was safe for the Ingraham to enter the outer harbor.

On October 1, Ingraham was tied up dockside. The ship provided the only helicopters for the island, and they were used extensively for the next three days for search and rescue efforts. Their crews include rescue swimmers and they have the ability to use a winch and a basket to effect rescues.

Here are a few photos of that mission.

Sailors assigned to the guided-missile frigate USS Ingraham clear away debris during disaster recovery efforts in Pago Pago, American Samoa. The region was struck by an earthquake and resulting tsunami.

Sailors assigned to the guided-missile frigate USS Ingraham clear away debris during disaster recovery efforts in Pago Pago, American Samoa. The region was struck by an earthquake and resulting tsunami.

Sailors assigned to the guided-missile frigate USS Ingraham clear away debris during disaster recovery efforts in Pago Pago, American Samoa. The region was struck by an earthquake and resulting tsunami.

The focus of relief and rescue efforts in American Samoa has shifted to longer term efforts. Look for an interview with the Captain of the USS Ingraham in the next week on their work in the disaster zone.

Tech. Sgt. Lisa Bartolome of the Hawaii Air National Guard's 154th Medical Group shows a young American Samoan boy how to make a paper airplane at the Congressional Christian Church of American Samoa in the Fafatiua village, Oct. 2. The Hawaii Air National Guard provided basic medical care to residents after a tsunami struck the island, Sept. 30. The church, with the help of the government, is serving three meals a day to those that are in need. Photo by Lt. Col. Ellen Krenke

The Hawaii National Guard’s medical mission wrapped up over the weekend, but 14 personnel with the state’s Civil Support Team will remain on American Samoa to conduct joint hazardous material and damage assessment operations, Guard officials reported, Oct. 5.

The CST has teamed up with the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Coast Guard to form a HAZMAT Task Force. According to reports, thousands of gallons of fuel oil and other hazardous materials were compromised along harbor storage areas on Pago Pago, which presents a serious health hazard to residents.

Much of the debris on the island is soaked with diesel and other hazardous chemicals, which are slowing the debris-clearing operations, Guard officials said.

On their first day on Pago Pago, Oct. 2, the medical team processed 117 patients and treated more than 70 injuries. The Hawaii Guard also convoyed to a local village to support search and rescue operations. They performed more than 700 man-hours to the SAR effort on that first day.

Air Force Capt. Nathaniel Duff, a physician assistant with the 154th Wing of the Hawaii Air National Guard based at Hickam Air Force Base, is a member of the medical team embedded with the CBRNE Enhanced Response Force Package that was on the first C-17 Globemaster III sent to American Samoa Sept. 30.

Below is a second dispatch from Duff that was sent over the weekend:

“Today [Oct. 3] we pushed about 20 minutes northeast beyond Pago Pago to a small village named Faga’itua. ‘Synched-up’ with two Navy corpsmen from the USS Ingraham, a frigate docked in Pago Pago harbor, as we passed through.

“Pago Pago is the capital city of American Samoa and appeared to have firmly shifted into recovery mode. The Starkist tuna factory in the bay appeared half functional, although the dead fish smell was horrible, the port facilities were a mess and there were still several boats in the city streets.

“We arrived in Faga’itua by 9:30 a.m., and there were already about 40 villagers waiting for us. By 10 a.m., our entire medical footprint was unpacked from the CERFP trailer and deployed in the open-air village church. This provided us with a fully functional, four-bed triage and first-aid station with a limited urgent care medical formulary.

“Our overall set-up was modeled after an EMEDS emergency-room tent wing: 1st tier – admin tracking patient flow and entry-control point; 2nd tier – small holding area for vitals, finger-stick glucose check and initial history; 3rd tier – for our nursing and ENT [Otolaryngology Clinic] staff performing basic physical exams, EKG, etc.; and 4th tier – myself and the Navy corpsmen floating between the four beds dealing with more emergent issues and performing medical procedures.

“We held an impromptu spiritual moment in prayer with the villagers presided by the church pastor. The villagers unexpectedly began singing a beautiful and emotional Christian hymn that left a good portion of us in tears. It was incredibly moving and inspirational for us to begin our work.

“From that moment, our team was in nonstop motion until sunset. I’m pretty tired … but at last count I believe we treated approximately 165 patients in about seven hours. Capt. [Jason] Iyomasa and Gloria even had a chance to lead an ‘away team’ to a local village to provide bedside care to a homebound elderly lady.

“We deployed four of our medics to support the CERFP search and extraction team in western American Samoa, who were still tasked with locating missing children.

“Even though conditions have been very hazardous, only one of our team sustained a minor puncture wound injury to his foot.

“With FEMA, CST, Coast Guard and Public Health service on the ground and fully operational, it appears that our first-response mission is rapidly coming to an end.

“Leadership has informed us to initiate cleaning/inventory, packing and palletizing our gear with a possible departure date in the near future.”

National Guard Bureau
Story by Lt. Col. Ellen Krenke

Two American Samoan children make their way home past a destroyed home destroyed by a recent tsunami, Pago Pago, American Samoa, Oct. 1, 2009. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Cohen A. Young

FEMA

The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that cleanup and recovery efforts in American Samoa are making significant progress. At the same time, FEMA and other federal partners remain actively involved, bringing food, shelter, medical supplies and other assistance to meet the immediate needs of residents affected by last week’s earthquake and tsunami. “We continue to work with Governor Tulafono to support the priorities he has identified as the response in American Samoa progresses,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “Through the Federal Coordinating Officer, Kenneth Tingman, we are working closely with local leadership as well as our federal partners and non-profits, to meet the needs of survivors and begin the recovery.”

FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Kenneth Tingman and American Samoan Governor Togiola Tulafono have already flown over the affected areas to view the damage and to identify any additional areas of immediate need in parts of American Samoa impacted by Tuesday’s tsunami.

“When we arrived last week, our initial efforts were to ensure that the Governor and the people of American Samoa had all the life saving materials they needed. We are now focusing our efforts, under the direction of the Governor, to support their life supporting needs, as they continue to respond and recover,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Kenneth Tingman. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the individuals and families that have been impacted by this event, and we will continue working as a team with our territory and federal partners to respond to Tuesday’s tsunami.”

The information below represents the progress of resources and supplies into the island territory in the aftermath of the tsunami:

Federal responders from FEMA, American Red Cross, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of Health and Human Services and other federal agencies are on the ground in American Samoa. The main priorities of the disaster operations remain focused on restoration of commercial power in the eastern district, and repairs and restoration of the region’s infrastructure. Roughly 65,000 cubic yards of debris has already been identified for removal.

The United States Coast Guard (USCG), National Guard, and United States Navy have provided critical transport of the life-saving and life-sustaining supplies and equipment to meet the immediate needs of the survivors, including more than 26,000 meals, 14,000 liters of water, 1,800 blankets, 800 tents, more than 800 cots, and nine pallets of medical supplies in support of the territory’s mass care operations. More than 20 generators have already been deployed to American Samoa, with several already supplying power to critical infrastructure. More generators are on their way, which will support communities and critical facilities.

FEMA and its federal partners are supporting the local government, which is distributing more than 3,500 meals a day. As FEMA and our federal partners continue to support the territory with a priority focus on life-safety activities, power restoration, and medical and shelter support, the agency is also preparing for recovery efforts. Recovery specialists, including Individual Assistance specialists and a housing planning team are being deployed.

FEMA and our federal partner, the General Services Administration, are in the process of locating and securing a facility where a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) will be established. DRCs will connect affected residents with recovery specialists from federal, state and local agencies for personal, one-on-one assistance for those affected by the tsunami.

FEMA continues to coordinate with our federal partners, providing the following support to the region. Additional information on response and recovery efforts can be found below:

The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG): National Guard, and United States Navy have completed critical transport of the life-saving and life-sustaining supplies and equipment to meet the immediate needs of the survivors, including meals, water, blankets, tents, cots, and medical supplies.

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD): The Department of Defense has completed 11 missions between Hawaii and American Samoa, transporting federal personnel, vehicles, communications equipment, cots, blankets and generators. The DOD also assisted with survey flights, hazmat and damage assessments.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE): USACE reports the water system on American Samoa is functioning. USACE is coordinating the installation and use of more than 20 generators at critical, prioritized life-saving and life-sustaining public facilities like shelters, sewer and water treatment plants or emergency management and response facilities.

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE): The Department of Energy is part of team working with FEMA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers focused on the restoration, generation, transmission and distribution of electric power. The team is working with local authorities to prioritize areas that remain without power, particularly in the eastern district.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): HHS has approximately 50 medical personnel deployed to American Samoa, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, public health, and mental health professionals to support public health and medical needs. HHS also provided pharmaceutical and medical supplies.

American Red Cross (ARC): The American Red Cross has more than 70 volunteers on the ground in American Samoa providing food and supplies in affected areas. Using a warehouse on American Samoa stocked with cots, flashlights, cooking supplies and clean-up supplies, trained volunteers are bringing additional supplies including recovery kits that are awaiting transport to American Samoa.

Families that have been in contact with loved ones on American Samoa can share information about their well-being by registering them with Safe and Well at www.redcross.org, or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). For photos and more information about American Red Cross relief efforts in American Samoa visit newsroom.redcross.org

Non-governmental organizations, including the American Red Cross are also providing assistance to the impacted region. Financial contributions to disaster relief organizations in the form of cash donations will allow voluntary organizations to fund response and recovery efforts quickly and provide the needed goods and services to disaster survivors. Your financial support will help the American Red Cross respond quickly to disasters like the Pacific Islands tsunami in American Samoa and Samoa. You can donate by calling 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) or (1-800-257-7575 (Spanish), or visiting www.redcross.org, and donate to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.

To see a video message from the Federal Coordinating Officer on recovery efforts to date, please visit: www.youtube.com/watch?v=gr6kpEryBu4&feature=channel_page

For B-roll of generators arriving on American Samoa please visit: www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiYUB2qzxAY&feature=channel_page

U.S. Air National Guard and 93rd Civil Support Team, U.S. Army National Guard personnel drive past homes and businesses left in ruins along the main road of Pago Pago, American Samoa, Oct. 1, 2009, after a tsunami. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Cohen A. Young

FEMA

Federal Response
Region IX

• Region IX RRCC remains activated at Level II
• Region IX Incident IMAT is deployed to American Samoa with DCO, DCE, and MERS support
• National IMAT-West will provide back-up to Region IX response operations. Region VIII IMAT is currently on a 2-hour recall for possible deployment. Region IX will maintain operational control.
• FEMA 1859-DR-AS approved on September 29

FEMA Headquarters:

• FEMA NRCC transitioned to Level III; 24 hour operations, with select ESFs

Current Situation / Status of Response:

• Transition of citizens from shelters to homes/temporary housing, commodity distribution, long-term power restoration, generator installation, assess HAZMAT conditions
• 33 confirmed fatalities
• Approximately 450 families are being supported by 14 shelters and 9 feeding centers
• The overnight shelter figures are difficult to verify as some people are using the shelters as feeding centers only
• Additional medical supplies enroute
• 24 schools will reopen on October 5; 10 schools without power have had power restored;  5 more schools are scheduled to resume classes on 13 October
• One of the two island power plants remains off-line.  A three-phase plan has been developed between USACE and ASPA to address the short, medium, and long term power requirements of the eastern district
• 23 generators have been delivered to American Samoa.  Additional generators have been requested
• Aviation fuel supply is available and fuels management plan is being formulated
• Expect full JFO to be operational on Tues, Oct 6
• Beginning coordination of Logistics Recovery Planning and retrograde requirements

American Samoans try to make the best of a bad situation by barbecuing in front of what's left of their home in Pago Pago, American Samoa, a tsunami, Oct. 1, 2009. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Cohen A. Young

Save the Children

Save the Children is working on the ground in American Samoa with the local government, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the American Red Cross to respond to the needs of the more than 2,700 residents and 210 families impacted by the deadly tsunami that hit the Samoan Islands on Tuesday. Read a blog from Save the Children emergency staff in American Samoa.Hundreds of homes have been destroyed, 34 people have been reported dead and in many parts of the islands water is not drinkable. Several families in American Samoa are living in shelters and Save the Children deployed to the region within 36 hours to ensure the needs of children were being met.

Initial assessments found an immediate need for secure, structured places for children to play and recover in shelters. Save the Children established several safe playing spaces, called Child Friendly Spaces, to serve 300 children in the Amanya, Nual Se’etega and Leone shelters. These spaces offer books, toys, structured activities for children and temporary supervision, so that parents can register for emergency aid and begin to plan their families’ next steps.  Save the Children is also working with agencies on the ground to ensure additional children’s needs, like diapers, cribs and clothing will be met.

American Samoa officials intend to re-open 28 of the territory’s 32 elementary schools tomorrow, which will provide a safe, familiar place for children affected and help them to return to their normal routine. FEMA has reported that families will move out of the larger shelters and into individual family tent shelters this week.

A trash fire burns in the foreground as a car hangs off the side of a porch roof in Pago Pago, American Samoa, after a tsunami struck the island, Oct. 1, 2009. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech Sgt. Cohen A. Young

Department of Defense

WASHINGTON, Oct. 5, 2009 – As the U.S. military continues to provide assistance to victims of storms and earthquakes in the Philippines and Indonesia, tsunami relief operations in American Samoa are tapering off, a Defense Department spokesman said here today.

The humanitarian-relief operation in American Samoa “is essentially winding down,” Bryan Whitman told reporters. The U.S. territory in the Pacific Ocean was hit by an earthquake-caused tsunami Sept. 29.

Eleven C-17 cargo-plane missions provided nearly 700,000 pounds of supplies, blankets, electricity generators, vehicles and other help to American Samoans, Whitman said. A 14-member civil-support team from the Hawaii National Guard remains in American Samoa to assist authorities with hazardous material removal and damage assessments, he added.

FEMA

The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is into its fifth day of response and federal support to American Samoa. At the same time, FEMA and other federal partners remain engaged in preparedness efforts throughout the Pacific.FEMA and federal teams, through the Federal Coordinating Officer, continue to work closely with American Samoan Governor Togiola Tulafono, as well as Delegate Eni F.H. Faleomavaega, to provide response in areas of American Samoa impacted by Tuesday’s tsunami. The information below represents the progress of resources and supplies into the island territory in the aftermath of the tsunami. The information is current as of 12:00 p.m. EDT.

“In addition to our efforts in support of the Governor of American Samoa, we recognize the significant impact of current disasters in other Pacific regions, including Indonesia, the Philippines and Taiwan,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “We are working closely with the Governor to meet his priorities as federal support continues to flow into American Samoa. As we continue to respond and recover in U.S. Territories, our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone in harms way.  These events remind us how important preparedness and teamwork are to saving lives and ultimately rebuilding communities.”

A team of more than 300 responders from FEMA, American Red Cross, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of Health and Human Services and other federal agencies are on the ground in American Samoa. These personnel comprise the immediate response force, including Incident Management Assessment Teams (IMAT), Disaster Medical Assistance Teams (DMAT), and Public Health Assistance Teams. Other personnel are assisting with community efforts.

The United States Coast Guard (USCG), National Guard, and United States Navy have provided critical transport of the life-saving and life-sustaining supplies and equipment to meet the immediate needs of the survivors, including more than 26,000 meals, 14,000 liters of water, 1,800 blankets, 800 tents, more than 800 cots, and nine pallets of medical supplies and medical equipment in support of the territory’s mass care operations. Several generators have been deployed, with more on the way. These generators will supply communities and critical infrastructure with power. In accordance with the governor’s priority recovery efforts, debris removal planning is also underway and recovery specialists, including a housing planning team, are being identified and assembled

As residents begin to return to their homes, FEMA cautions them to be safe. FEMA cautions all persons on the island to be aware of potential hazards and advises that residents continue to follow guidance of local officials in clearing debris.

FEMA continues to coordinate with our federal partners, providing the following support to the region. Additional information on response and recovery efforts can be found below:

American Red Cross (ARC): ARC has conducted a preliminary disaster assessment and reports extensive destruction west of Leone, City of Pago Pago and the eastern most portion of the island. ARC continues to deploy volunteers on the ground in American Samoa providing food and supplies in affected areas; deploying additional equipment such as computers, cell phones and satellite phones. The Red Cross has activated their Safe and Well program to assist families with finding missing loved ones and is assisting shelter residents with registration on the website.

U.S. Coast Guard (USCG): Port assessments report no significant pollution and no obstructions to commercial traffic. The Navigation Team has completed the assessment of water navigation aids for American Samoa and the surrounding islands; all aids are intact and considered ready to support day and night operations.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Disaster Medical Assistance Teams are providing medical support to survivors; a public health official has been deployed along with other support staff including public health experts; providing medical and pharmaceutical equipment and supplies.

U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI): DOI representative assisting the FEMA National Response Coordination Center (NRCC) with response and recovery planning.

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS): Analysts at the USGS National Earthquake Information Center (NEIC) are providing a range of information products to support emergency response and relief operations and will be conducting a post-tsunami investigation.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE): USACE reports the water system on American Samoa is functioning to near normal capacity but pressure is limited in some areas. Soldiers from the 249th Prime Power Engineer Battalion are assisting with the management of the Honolulu District’s Emergency Power PRT with the installation of FEMA generators at critical prioritized life-saving and life-sustaining public facilities like shelters, sewer and water treatment plants or emergency management and response facilities.

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD): Defense Coordinating Officer assisting with IMATs.

National Guard Bureau (NGB): A fourth National Guard C-17 delivered Joint Task Force (JTF) equipment; JTF personnel augmenting the FEMA Damage Assessment Teams; Hawaii National Guard’s 93^rd Civil Support Team (CST) conducting medical support and HAZMAT surveys, Hawaii National Guard’s CERFP (Chemical, Biological, Radiological Nuclear Explosive Enhanced Response Force Package) performing mobile medical missions and clearing debris.

Small Business Administration (SBA): Deploying assistance workers to assist in recovery efforts; SBA customer service representatives will issue disaster loan applications, explain the process and answer questions.

Internal Revenue Service (IRS): The IRS is postponing certain deadlines for taxpayers who reside or have a business in the disaster area. For details and additional information please visit www.irs.gov, use keyword American Samoa Tsunami.

Non-governmental organizations, including the American Red Cross and other voluntary and faith-based groups, are also providing assistance to the impacted region.  Financial contributions to disaster relief organizations in the form of cash donations will allow voluntary organizations to fund response and recovery efforts quickly and provide goods and services to disaster survivors.  Information for volunteer and donation efforts can be found at: www.fema.gov/donations or www.redcross.org/.

Click on images for a larger picture. All images on this page are from the United States military and are public domain.

The 154th Medical Group/Chemical, Biological, Radiological/Nuclear and Explosives Enhanced Response Force Package, U.S. Air National Guardsmen, Tech. Sgt. Carissa Maxson watches the shorelines of Pago Pago, American Samoa, in disbelief as she drives by them on Oct. 1. Maxson is conducting assessments of the area after a tsunami caused a great amount of structural damage to the island villages Sept. 29. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Cohen Young

FEMA

Federal Response
Region IX:

• RRCC at Level 1 (24/7) with all ESFs supporting

FEMA Headquarters:

• FEMA NRCC is at Level 1 (24/7) with selected ESFs

Status of Response:

• Governor Togiola Tulafono’s priorities:
  • Search and rescue (2 confirmed missing)
  • Power restoration
  • Complete damage assessments
• 32 confirmed fatalities on American Samoa.
• 12 shelters open with 1,912 occupants.
• 129 injured were treated at LBJ Medical Center, which is currently open and operational.
• Five generators are on the ground in American Soma.  Four generators are currently enroute from Hickman Air Force Base in Hawaii and an additional flight is scheduled to depart at 2:00 P.M. EDT October 2 with two additional generators.
• One of two power plants is operational.  Approximately 6,000 customers remain without power in the Eastern District.  Local power authorities are anticipating temporary power restoration within two weeks.
• Water systems are nearly restored island wide.
• Most major roads are open and passable. Bridge to Leone is open to one way traffic.
• FAA reports that Pago Pago Airport has reopened with operational limitations.
• Seaport is operational with no restrictions.
• Western District of Tutuila schools are open.
• Cellular telephone service is available with limitations.
• Gasoline and Diesel Fuel supplies are plentiful.  No immediate aviation fuel shortages anticipated, however Pago Pago Airport requested next scheduled delivery of aviation fuel (October 20) be moved up to next week.  (Region IX, FEMA HQ)

A boat sits adrift in Pago Pago, American Samoa, Oct. 1, after a tsunami carried it away from the harbor along with debris while also causing a great amount of structural damage to the island villages, Sept. 29. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Cohen Young

Office of the Secretary of Defense Public Affairs

The medical support situation in American Samoa has stabilized amid ongoing U.S. relief efforts after a massive tsunami devastated the area this week, a Defense Department official said Oct. 2.

Medical triage, casualty care, shelter and bedding are being administered to those affected by the disaster, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman told reporters.

“It does appear as if the situation is stabilizing a bit — at least the medical support situation has stabilized,” he said. “The hospital there is open, [and] the [Veterans Affairs] clinic on the island has been providing some additional assistance in the treatment of injured there.”

An 8.4 magnitude earthquake struck near the Samoa Islands region Sept. 29, causing devastating 15-to-20-foot-high waves to cascade inland across the South Pacific archipelago, including the eastern side of American Samoa, a U.S. possession.

Three C-17 Globemaster III cargo planes flew from Hawaii to deliver personnel from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, food and water, and mortuary-affairs assets. A fourth flight is expected to arrive soon, and two other C-17 flights are being coordinated, Whitman said.

“It’s the very basic types of things that you need when people are all of a sudden without any shelter and all of a sudden need assistance with the basic necessities,” Whitman said. “Food, personal hygiene items, that type of [assistance].”

Meanwhile, the Army Corps of Engineers and subject-matter experts are working on power regeneration and handling issues related to debris and waste water.

The request for Defense Department assistance in providing medical triage, hazardous material response, mass casualty care and strategic airlift came from FEMA.

FEMA maintains well-stocked warehouses in Guam and Honolulu and is deploying resources to support 70,000 survivors in American Samoa survivors over the coming week.

A home's foundation sits on an angle in Pago Pago, American Samoa, on Oct. 1 after the foundation collapsed as a result after a tsunami. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Cohen Young

Defense Media Activity – Hawaii News Bureau

Hawaii Guardsmen from the U.S. Army National Guard and U.S. Air National Guard Assessed damages in the Pago Pago and Leone villages of American Samoa on Oct. 1, 2009. More than 30 Active Duty Guardsmen and Guardsmen split into two groups to conduct search and rescue and assessment procedures. The units participating in Operation Wave are the 93rd Civil Support Team, which is a joint unit comprised of active duty Army National Guardsmen and active duty Air National Guardsmen, while the 154th Medical Group/ Chemical, Biological, Radiological/Nuclear and Explosives Enhanced Response Force Package are all Air National Guardsmen.

Many of the Soldiers and Airmen were glad to come to American Samoa to help with relief.

“It’s rewarding coming out here to something like this to help those in need,” said 154th ANG CERFP Team Leader, Capt. Jason Iyomasa, a native of Honolulu.

Iyomasa and three members of his team joined with Maj. Joe Laurel, the 93rd CST Team leader and Honolulu native and nine of his members as they coordinated with local Pago Pago Harbor authorities with the assessing the needs of the area. The remaining members traveled to Leone to help officials locate a child that was reported missing at the conclusion of the tsunami.

“We met our objectives of checking the safety of individuals and families, assisting local authorities with search and rescue efforts and assessing vital needs of the local populace in the impacted areas,” said Laurel.

“Our coordination with local authorities went very well,” Laurel added.

The main problem was structural as many people were displaced because their homes were destroyed.

“As our search and rescue efforts finish, we now will start to focus on finding shelters for the many displaced, along with finding distribution points for food and water,” said Laurel.

Military members acted quickly in responding to the tsunami, which occurred on Sept. 29. The first teams left Hickam AFB, HI on Sept. 30, which illustrates the awareness and keen sense of urgency that U.S. forces have within the Pacific Command.

National Guard Bureau

Capt. Nathaniel Duff is a physician’s assistant with the 154th Wing of the Hawaii Air National Guard based at Hickam Air Force Base. He is a member of the medical team embedded with the CBRNE Enhanced Response Force Package that was on the first C-17 Globemaster III sent to American Samoa, Sept. 30.

The mission of the CERFP’s medical team is to perform medical triage and initial treatment, provide emergency medical treatment, stage for military and civilian evacuation and provide medical support to patient decontamination and search and extraction teams.

Below is an email that Duff sent to his unit once he arrived in the tsunami-torn territory:

“Just finished debriefing Day 1. Today, we broke our medical search and extraction teams into two groups. I was the designated medical team leader for the group that was deployed to the west side of American Samoa in a small village called Leone.

“Capt. [Jason] Iyomasa and Team 2 went toward Pago Pago. It was a simple fishing village that looked much like rural villages in southern Thailand. We contacted the village chief, who had been waiting since the tsunami hit for help. We were the first contact his village had with any government relief agency.

“The village included at least 30-50 families, a school and a temple/church. Very beautiful spot with clear water and a beach surrounded by lush, verdant forest covered mountains. It was absolutely devastated.

“Most of the village was in rubble and washed deep into the tropical mangrove forest up toward the mountains. Entire contents of homes, boats, full-size pick-up trucks and cars carried through the forest and up the mountainside. It must have been a tremendous wall of water to create that much damage.

“After talking with the village chief, we learned that a small, six-year-old boy was missing from his village and an 11-year-old girl was missing from an adjacent village. We set up an organized search grid and went out in five-man teams lead by a local villager into the hot, humid mangrove swamp. The entire area was easily over a mile wide and half-mile deep.

“The air stunk with human and animal excrement, hundreds of dead fish and animals, and rotting food and debris. It was very treacherous wading through knee-deep swamp and climbing over sharp debris with rusty nails, sheet metal, glass and all manner of house debris. We found over-turned trucks 500 yards deep into the jungle upside down in trees.

“The villagers all welcomed us and were grateful that we cared to stop and help, even though we were unsuccessful at locating their child today. The more seriously injured villagers had already been transported to the one hospital in the main town, so we provided basic first aid to any walking wounded, including a big, 300-pound muscular Samoan, nicknamed ‘The General,’ who was injured saving his wife from being washed away. He had three broken ribs and his left leg was swollen with infection from open sores and scrapes.

“We’ve planned two separate missions tomorrow. First, we’ll be sending our search and extraction component along with more equipment for heavy lifting, search cameras, mapping equipment, communications, etc., back to Leone tomorrow.

“Second, we’ve stripped all gear from one CERFP trailer and restocked it specifically for a large medical mission north of Pago Pago. Capt. Iyomasa and Team 2 located a shelter apparently housing about 200 displaced villagers. We’ll be setting up a field triage and first-aid station with the majority of our medical team including myself.

“Looks like we also may be hooking up with at least two Navy corpsman to make this a joint medical effort. The Coast Guard also has a fairly large presence on that side of the island helping to manage the ocean and port damage and hazardous waste, etc.

“Things have been pretty chaotic, since we were essentially in the first wave of ‘boots-on-the-ground.’ It was very cool to know that we have been able to effectively operate our CERFP mission essentially within 24 hours of being called to duty from Hawaii.

“Logistics and communications have been difficult, to say the least, but everyone in our unit has risen to the challenge in unique ways. You should be very proud to see how mature and professional the CERFP team has performed, but especially our own 154th Medical Group team despite the long hours, heat, stress and emotional exhaustion.”