Commanders Page

Hello ALASKA 1, 

Welcome to the new Commanders Page.  I hope to use this page to keep you up to date on the many behind the scenes activities going on with our team as well as comments on any major activity we are involved with.  For the inaugural run here are my notes on the 2009 Integrated Training Summit. 

Over 3,700 people attended the summit from all branches of Emergency Support Function 8 (ESF8) and other partners. 

The Opening Ceremony was packed and after a moment of silence for members who have passed the ESF8 partners made presentations.  Admiral Vanerwagon’s keynote address focused on what we have done and the future direction.  Integration of the ESF8 with the Advanced Incident Coordination Team (IRCT) and the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) was a big part of the address. 

I was presented with the NDMS Distinguished Member award for AK-1 along with members from 50+ teams and others.  There had been 14 deployments last year, which was the busiest year for NDMS and ESF8.  ESF8 will continue to lean forward and be proactive in serving the nation.  Dr Yeski will not turn down missions for ESF8 including international deployments.  The SOC will continue to deploy as many as needed for the mission.  Good news for us is that a member is deployable (Including ICS), will be used no matter the status of team.  I will start offering our members for deployment for anyone that wishes to deploy if they have met the requirements.  

Mike Divens and I participated in IRCT training.  This was a two-day session with presentations from many Regional Emergency Coordinators (REC), the Secitary Operations Center (SOC), Assistant Secretary Preparedness and Response (ASPR) logistics, communications, and HQ Staff.  Small group breakouts focused on the role of the IRCT, leadership, Field Operations Guide (FOG). Groups also participated in scenarios.  

The Team Leader training session was broken up into presentations for the whole group, by the different sections and small group breakouts where the presenters rotated through the groups.  When Dr Yeski came to my table I asked him what he thought about the future of Public Health Service (PHS) and Commissioned Corp Readiness Force (CCRF) officers participating on the DMAT teams.  His said that they must respond to fill the PHS mission but he understood Alaska was in a unique situation and that PHS/CCRF should be able to participate with AK-1.  I didn’t get a next step, but the question and his answer were added to the session notes for follow up.  In addition, I attended sessions on Field Operations, Tactical Leadership of ESF8, and Volunteer Management by the MRC. 

Mike, Paul and Don went to a Luncheon celebrating 25 years of NDMS.  The last session I attended was on the Federal Medical Station (FMS) and lessons learned. The big nugget was that the Rapid Deployment Force (RDF) and NDMS must staff this station together and that it’s important to pick the right location and cover the wrap around services (power, water, food Etc).  The need to have appropriate food available to meet the requirements of those seeking assistance at the Federal Medical Station (FMS) was an important challenge.  Meals, ready to eat (MRE), designed for combat soldiers would not bet he best option for diabetic or dialysis patients.  Additionally, Don and Paul both attended an ICS 300 course and Paul had 2 days of TO training while Don had 2 days of Logistics training. 

I really enjoyed seeing all the folks that have become our friends over the years.  All in all a very good event. 

Mike Rodriguez
Acting Commander

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