SDDC ramps up for Haiti relief mission

SDDC ramps up for Haiti relief mission    The U.S. Army's Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command has deployed a team to Haiti to prepare for follow-on forces that will deliver and distribute humanitarian supplies in the aftermath of Tuesday's earthquake.
   'We have the means to quickly provide deployment and distribution services anywhere in the world, and we're committed to being part of this response,' said Maj. Gen. James L. Hodge, SDDC commanding general, in a statement.
   SDDC is prepared to provide logistical support to humanitarian operations in several ways. The command, which has both military and civilian personnel stationed around the world, has specialized units of soldiers known as Rapid Port Opening Elements (RPOEs) standing by in expectation of forthcoming deployment orders.
   The RPOEs help to establish an air or seaport facility for the delivery of supplies and equipment, as well as a forward distribution hub through which relief agencies can track and receive supplies without adding to congestion the port or airfield.
   'In the immediate aftermath of a catastrophe such as this, the influx of relief supplies can be frustrated by damaged infrastructure and a lack of accountability,' said Col. Jeffrey B. Helmick, commander of the 597th Transportation Group. 'The RPOE soldiers are able to establish a network to track and distribute crucial supplies to ensure those providing relief have what they need, when they need it.'
   Once the assessment is complete, a determination is made about the size of the task force to be sent on the mission. A task force can include more than 50 soldiers and 136 pieces of equipment or be as small as a few people and vehicles. With the task force in place, a port of debarkation can handle 560 short tons per day with round-the-clock operations. This includes clearing the airfield of cargo and maintaining visibility for commanders and agencies on the ground, the SDDC said.