[MilCom] Radio NON-interoperability mentioned on Nightline

[Bill "Superspy" Boltinghouse]

Where was NAOC? and Why was it not utilized?

http://www.fema.gov/rrr/naoc_wh.shtm

Frequently Asked Questions About NAOC

Why is FEMA using the National Airborne Operations Center?
To allow FEMA to quickly establish and maintain a base of operations in a
disaster area that's lost power and communications. The objective is to
immediately channel federal resources to the states so that they, in turn,
can help their people.

When is FEMA likely to use the NAOC?
Only in the very largest of disasters when no alternative communications,
command center, or other critical resources are available.

Who will be on the NAOC?
Primarily the FEMA Emergency Response Team, about 40 key specialists who
will initiate federal response activities (plus, of course, the Department
of Defense (DoD) personnel who staff the plane).

Who decides when the NAOC will be used for disaster response?
Barring a military necessity for its use elsewhere, FEMA will determine
whether the magnitude of the disaster is serious enough to warrant use of
the NAOC.

Can you cite an example of a past disaster where the NAOC would probably
have been employed?
Hurricane Andrew destroyed most power and communications in the affected
areas of southern Florida. So that's an example of the type of disaster that
could warrant NAOC activation.

What systems on the NAOC would FEMA use?
The NAOC will allow FEMA to use regular commercial phone circuits, the DoD
phone system and FEMA's nation-wide communications links. In addition, FEMA
will have access to NAOC's on-board computers and briefing facilities.

When a disaster occurs in which the NAOC is employed, for how long a period
does FEMA plan to use the NAOC?
FEMA will use the NAOC only as long as it takes to set up a functional
Disaster Field Office (DFO). Typically, that takes a couple of days.

Why can't FEMA charter a commercial aircraft to carry its Emergency Response
Team to the disaster area?
NAOC's communications capability, as opposed to commercial aircraft, permits
FEMA to keep working and communicating while en route to the disaster area.
Also, the facilities aboard NAOC enable FEMA staff to live and work on the
aircraft once it arrives at the disaster site.

How much will it cost to exercise the NAOC?
There will be no cost billed to FEMA because exercises involving FEMA are
included within currently budgeted DoD exercises.



-----Original Message-----
From: milcom-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:milcom-bounces at mailman.qth.net]On Behalf Of Robert Wyman
Sent: Tuesday, September 06, 2005 11:02 PM
To: milcom at mailman.qth.net; fedcom at mailman.qth.net;
RadioMonitors at yahoogroups.com
Subject: [MilCom] Radio NON-interoperability mentioned on Nightline


Tonight's Nightline opened with several comments about radio communication
incompatibilities between military aircraft, military land
mobile/watercraft, local law enforcement, out-of-town law enforcement and
rescue, plus volunteer rescue groups. No further discussion of technologies
or mitigation, just the functional problems associated with having different
agencies operating in the area with no central control point.

RW


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