Moving 3,000-pound sandbag by New Mexico and Arkansas National Guard members

New Mexico and Arkansas National Guard members maneuver a 3,000-pound sandbag, suspended from a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, onto a levee breach in Belle Chasse, La., Sept. 29, 2005. The U.S. Army is contributing to the Hurricane Rita humanitarian assistance operations being led by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in conjunction with the Department of Defense. DoD photo.

 Helicopter in flight

U.S. Army UH-60A Black Hawk helicopters return to Ellington Field, Texas, after delivering six pallets of relief supplies to Deweyville, Texas, Sept. 26, 2005. The U.S. Army is contributing to the Hurricane Rita humanitarian assistance operations being led by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in conjunction with the Department of Defense. DoD photo.

 National Guard personnel unload meals, ready to eat from a UH-60A Black Hawk helicopter in Deweyville, Texas

U.S. Army National Guard personnel unload meals, ready to eat from a UH-60A Black Hawk helicopter in Deweyville, Texas, Sept. 26, 2005. Three Black Hawks delivered six pallets of relief aid on this particular mission. The U.S. Army is contributing to the Hurricane Rita humanitarian assistance operations being led by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in conjunction with the Department of Defense. DoD photo.
7-foot, 400-pound dolphin being moved by U.S. Coast Guard crewmen and others

U.S. Coast Guard crewmen, Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network members and a member of the Louisiana Army National Guard all carry a 7-foot, 400-pound dolphin into the Gulf of Mexico Sept. 28, 2005. Igor, the dolphin, was rescued from a ditch near South Cameron High School in Cameron, La., after Hurricane Rita swept through. He was transported on a Coast Guard HH-60 helicopter to the beach to be set free.

 C Company, 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Soldiers in north New Orleans, LA.å

Local civilians form a chain to expedite the unloading of 100 floor-loaded Meals, Ready-To-Eat (MREs) in addition to the six pallets of water and MREs unloaded by forklift from a U.S. Army CH-47D Chinook in Livingston, Texas, September 26, 2005. The U.S. Army is contributing to the Hurricane Rita humanitarian assistance operations being led by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in conjunction with the Department of Defense.

 203rd Combat Engineer Battalion, Missouri Army National Guard, use heavy equipment to clear fallen trees and downed power lines

Staff Sergeant Gary Hill of C Company, 769th Engineer Battalion, refuels Sergeant Terry Lee Bacon's M1083 from the 1087th Truck Company at the Louisiana Army National Guard Armory at Gonzales. SSG Hill was evacuated from Jackson Barracks by Blackhawk when waters from the levee breeches swamped the vehicles and material that had staged in the area for hurricane recovery.
Oregon National Guard patrol from C Company, 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry moves up Paris Avenue in north New Orleans, La.

An Oregon National Guard patrol from C Company, 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry moves up Paris Avenue in north New Orleans, La., in order to verify that there are no people remaining there in need of help or evacuation and to chart the boundaries of the receding floodwaters Sept. 15, 2005.

 Soldiers being led by First Lieutenant Joseph Bradford

First Lieutenant Joseph Bradford, leading an Oregon National Guard patrol from C Company, 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry up Paris Avenue in north New Orleans, makes a note of the boundary of the receding floodwater on Sept. 15th, 2005.

 203rd Combat Engineer Battalion, Missouri Army National Guard, use heavy equipment to clear fallen trees and downed power lines

U.S. Army Soldiers of 203rd Combat Engineer Battalion, Missouri Army National Guard, use heavy equipment to clear fallen trees and downed power lines from Gentilly Boulevard near Interstate 610 in New Orleans, La., Sept. 15, 2005. Army and Air National Guard units from around the nation sent troops and equipment the New Orleans area to help with the evacuation and recovery of the city following Hurricane Katrina and the flooding that followed when the levees were breeched.
Paratroopers from Joint Task Force All American and local law enforcement stop to talk to a man

Paratroopers from Joint Task Force All American and local law enforcement stop to talk to a man who decided to stay in his home, which stands just above the flood water in Vermilion Parish. U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Jacqueline M. Haw.

 Civilian and law enforcement officials from Corrigan, Texas, help unload boxes of drinking water

Civilian and law enforcement officials from Corrigan, Texas, help unload boxes of drinking water from a U.S. Army National Guard UH-60A Black Hawk at Corrigan-Camden High School, Texas, on September 25, 2005. Corrigan currently has no electricity as a result of Hurricane Rita and requested a supply of drinking water for dislocated residents, many of whom are elderly. The Army National Guard helicopter crew is deployed from the 149th Air Ambulance, Martindale Army Air Field, Texas. DoD photo.

 Personnel from the 2nd Battalion, 227 Aviation Regiment, Ft. Hood, Texas

U.S. Army personnel from the 2nd Battalion, 227 Aviation Regiment, Ft. Hood, Texas, load a CH-47 Chinook helicopter with pallets of Meals-Ready-To-Eat, for delivery to areas affected by Hurricane Rita, Sep. 25, 2005. The U.S. Army is contributing to the Hurricane Rita humanitarian assistance operations being led by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in conjunction with the Department of Defense. DoD photo.
Troops and local law enforcement officials attempt to move a house from the middle of a flooded road

82nd Airborne troops and local law enforcement officials attempt to move a house from the middle of a flooded road in Vermilion Parish, La., following Hurricane Rita. U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Jacqueline M. Haw.

 Emergency medical personnel near a helicopter

U.S Army National Guard Sgt. Tom Rios, a UH-60 Black Hawk crew chief, informs emergency medical personnel at Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital, Houston, Texas, of two nursing home patients' conditions after they arrive from Corrigan, Texas, on September 25, 2005. DoD photo.

 Soldiers assist with Hurricanes Katrina and Rita relief missions

Ohio Army National Guard Soldiers assist with Hurricanes Katrina and Rita relief missions near New Orleans. DoD photo.
Helicopters located at the Mississippi National Guard Combat Readiness Training Center

Mississippi Army National Guard helicopters, located at the Mississippi National Guard Combat Readiness Training Center, Gulfport, ferrying supplies around the state.

 CH-47 Chinook manuevers into position to drop sandbags

A CH-47 Chinook manuevers into position to drop sandbags into a levee that was demolished when Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, LA. The humanitarian assistance operations is a joint effort led by the Department of Defense in conjunction with the

Soldiers spray down a humvee

Spc. Adolfo Cosino (left), and Pvt. Jerel Ridgley, chemical specialists, 21st Chemical Company, 82nd Airborne Division, spray down a humvee Sept. 14, 2005, at the Task Force All American Decontamination site. The Paratroopers use hot-soapy water to decontaminate the vehicle from any bacteria or contaminates it may have come in contact with near the polluted waters that inhabit much of New Orleans.
Two paratroopers from the 82d Airborne Division assist members of the Humane Society

Two paratroopers from the 82d Airborne Division assist members of the Humane Society on 15 September 2005, in the "French Quarter" of downtown New Orleans, Louisiana where abandoned pet recovery operations have been established during Task Force Katrina. U.S. Army photo by CPL Sam Kilpatrick.

 Soldiers from Fort Bragg, North Carolina prepares to dump a load of fallen branches and debris into a dumptruck

The 82d Airborne Division Engineers from Fort Bragg, North Carolina prepares to dump a load of fallen branches and debris into a dumptruck with his front loader on 15 September 2005 during Task Force Katrina. The Paratroopers are in New Orleans, Louisiana to assist in the relief and recovery efforts from the hurricane.

 North Carolina National Guards' 113th Quick Response Force stand in formation on the football field

U.S. Army soldiers of the North Carolina National Guards' 113th Quick Response Force stand in formation on the football field at South Eastern Louisiana University, Hammond, La., Sept. 17, 2005. The 113th QRF was deployed in support of Hurricane Katrina deploying 250 soldiers to help authorities augment their police force. DoD photo.
Specialist Kent Costales, a combat medic, gives an Algiers local woman a tetanus shot

Spc. Kent Costales, a combat medic with 782nd Main Support Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division, gives an Algiers local woman a tetanus shot.

 Soldiers provide extra cover to a looted comic book shop

Soldiers of Charlie Company of the 179th 1st battalion of the Army National Guard of Oklahoma provide extra cover to a looted comic book shop during a staggered column movement on Freret St. located in uptown New Orleans on September 13, 2005. The soldiers perform the staggered column movement to observe any new instances of looting in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

 Soldiers prepares to take off from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport

A U.S. Army UH-60L Blackhawk helicopter from the 282nd Aviation Battalion, Fort Bragg, N.C., prepares to take off from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, La., September 11, 2005. DoD photo.
Specialist Jamel Khabeer drives a 950-B Bucket Loader to clear debris

U.S. Army Spc. Jamel Khabeer drives a 950-B Bucket Loader to clear debris from the streets of Algiers in New Orleans, La., Sept. 14, 2005. Khabeer is assigned to the 307th Engineer Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C. DoD photo.

 Paratroopers come back on watercrafts after performing a search and rescue mission

Paratroopers of Alpha Company 3/505 PIR, 82nd Airborne Division, come back on watercrafts after performing a search and rescue mission on September 13, 2005 during Task Force Katrina in New Orleans, Louisiana. U.S. Army photo by SSG Christopher J. Crawford SR.

 Sergeant Scott Crawford breaks through the window of a house during search and rescue operations

Sgt. Scott Crawford, a squad leader with 3rd Platoon, Company D, 1st of the 148th Infantry Regiment, Ohio Army National Guard breaks through the window of a house during search and rescue operations, Sept 8 as part of Operation Katrina. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Benjamin M Cossel.
Soldiers patroling Bourbon Street in New Orleans’ famous French Quarter

On Bourbon Street in New Orleans’ famous French Quarter, paratroopers from Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, patrol nearly deserted streets.

 Soldiers knocked down doors, cut holes in ceilings and broke through windows in an effort to rescue trapped suriviors

Soldiers of the Ohio Army National Guard's 1st of the 148th Infantry Regiment knocked down doors, cut holes in ceilings and broke through windows in an effort to rescue trapped suriviors of Hurricane Katrina. Here Spc. Frank Ranalli climbs down into a bathroom after breaking through a ceiling in this Northeastern New Orleans neighborhood. U.S. Army photo by Spec. Benjamin M Cossel.

 Soldiers processes through a mobile decontamination station near a levee in New Orleans

An unidentified Army Guardsman from B Company, 1st Battalion, 181st Infantry, Boston, Massachusetts, processes through a mobile decontamination station near a levee in New Orleans, Louisiana after assisting with search and rescue missions. Army and Air National Guard units from all over the nation are deployed to New Orleans to provide support in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. DoD photo.
Soldiers escort an evacuee from downtown New Orleans

U.S. Army Soldiers from the 82nd Airborne escort an evacuee from downtown New Orleans, La., on Sept. 8, 2005. She will be given a medical exam and eventually transported to a shelter safely away from the flooded city. The 82nd, from Ft. Bragg, N.C., are here to bring order and safety to the storm damaged city. DoD photo.

 Medical technicians assemble a tent at Belle Chasse Joint Reserve Base

Air and Army National Guard medical technicians assemble a tent at Belle Chasse Joint Reserve Base near New Orleans, Louisiana on September 9, 2005. They were serving as part of Task Force Belle Chasse, providing medical care in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. DoD photo.

 National Guardsmen work a security check point outside the New Orleans

Nevada Army National Guardsmen work a security check point outside the New Orleans, La., civic center where an aid station and evacuation point has been established, Sept. 8, 2005. The military are performing various functions in New Orleans to assist with the cleanup efforts following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. DoD photo.
Soldier conducts a patrol of the debris ravaged Superdome in New Orleans

U.S. Army Capt. Jesse Stewart, a Ranger assigned to the 3505 Parachute Infantry Regiment, Fort Bragg, N.C., conducts a patrol of the debris ravaged Superdome in New Orleans, La., September 8, 2005. The 3505 PIR is providing security to ensure nobody enters the area which the Environmental Protection Agency has condemned. DoD photo.

 Soldiers traverse trees downed by Hurricane Katrina

In an outlying area of New Orleans, Soldiers from Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, from Fort Hood, Texas, traverse trees downed by Hurricane Katrina. The soldiers were approaching all homes in their sector of the city -- including houses on isolated roads -- collecting utility damage reports and asking residents remaining in their homes if they need assistance.

 HUMVEE traverses through floodwater surrounding the Superdome in New Orleans

A U.S. Army High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle traverses through floodwater surrounding the Superdome in New Orleans, La., September 2005.
Soldiers use a "Zodiac" to patrol the flooded streets of New Orlean

U.S. Army Soldiers from the 82nd Airborne and U.S. Coast Guard personnel use a "Zodiac" to patrol the flooded streets of New Orleans, La., on Sept. 8, 2005, in search of Hurricane Katrina survivors that must be evacuated from the flooded city. DoD photo.

 Soldiers provides additional security at a Walmart in Hammond, LA

SPC Ludivina Aguilar of Henderson NC, assigned to the 113th QRF, Quick Response Force) provides additional security at a Walmart in Hammond, LA. Soldiers of the North Carolina National Guards 113th QRF are deployed in support of Hurricane Katrina. Photo by Tech Sgt Brian E. Christiansen, North Carolina National Guard Office of Public Affairs.

 Soldier climbs out of the second-floor window of a flooded home during a zodiac-boat search and rescue operation

Spc. Chase Carman, medic, Company C, 82nd Forward Support Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division, climbs out of the second-floor window of a flooded home during a zodiac-boat search and rescue operation Sept. 9, 2005, in the Lake View area of Orleans Parish. The search and rescue teams are permitted to enter and search a home only if there is an open window or balcony door.
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael J. Carden
Members of Joint Task Force Katrina load precious water supplies, on a UH-1N Huey helicopter

Members of Joint Task Force Katrina load precious water supplies, on a UH-1N Huey helicopter, at Gulf Port Airport, MS., to be flown to outlying areas affected by Hurricane Katrina, Sept. 7, 2005. Gulf Port Airport is the central supply pick up area for aircraft disseminating food, water and baby supplies. DoD photo.

 Oklahoma Army National Guard and agents from the Drug Enforcement Agency ride in a 5-ton truck performing block-to-block searches

Members of the Oklahoma Army National Guard and agents from the Drug Enforcement Agency ride in a 5-ton truck performing block-to-block searches, Sept. 7, 2005. The military and federal agencies are performing house-to-house searches rescuing New Orleans residents stranded in their homes due to flood waters caused by Hurricane Katrina. DoD photo.

 Arkansas National Guard Soldiers's unload over 50 bicycles donated by a local Walmart

Spc. Mike Willford (right) and Spc. James Blagg of the Arkansas National Guard's 875th Engineering Company unload over 50 bicycles donated by a local Walmart in Bay St. Louis, Miss., in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina. The Soldiers are giving the bicycles away to children affected by the hurricane. Arkansas National Guard photo by Sgt. Chris A. Durney.
Soldiers attach cargo hooks supporting large bags of sand to a CH-47 Chinook helicopter in New Orleans

Army National Guardsmen Spc. Clint Aucoia from Morgon City, La., and Pfc. Christopher Tiffit from Spokane, Wash., attach cargo hooks supporting large bags of sand to a CH-47 Chinook helicopter in New Orleans, La., on Sept. 7, 2005. The bags are being used to plug the levee that burst during Hurricane Katrina and caused devastation within the city leaving thousands either homeless or dead. The humanitarian assistance operations are a joint effort led by the Department of Defense in conjunction with theFederal Emergency Management Agency. DoD photo.

 Pilots of a CH-47 Chinook assigned to fly over areas

U.S. Army National Guard Warrant Officers Charles Woodward and Lance Brennan, pilots of a CH-47 Chinook assigned to the 131st Aviation Regiment of the Georgia National Guard, fly over areas, on Sept. 7, 2005, that were flooded when Hurricane Katrina devastated parts of New Orleans, La. The humanitarian assistance operations is a joint effort led by the Department of Defense in conjunction with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). DoD photo.

 National Guard watches the streets of New Orleans, La., in a truck during the city's evacuation

The U.S. National Guard watches the streets of New Orleans, La., in a truck during the city's evacuation in the wake of Hurricane Katrina on Sept. 8, 2005. The Navy's involvement in the humanitarian assistance operation is being lead by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in conjunction with the Department of Defense. DoD photo.
Army National Guard from Mobile, Ala., and displaced citizens offload bags of ice off of a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter

Members of the U.S. Army National Guard from Mobile, Ala., and displaced citizens offload bags of ice off of a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter from the 1/131 Aviation Regiment, Mobile, Ala., in support of disaster relief operations for Joint Task Force(JTF) Katrina, Sept. 5, 2005. The USNORTHCOM JTF Katrina was setup to provide air and ground support for humanitarian relief operations for those affected by Hurricane Katrina.

 Army National Guard and Air National Guard provide crowd control and assist in distribution of meals

Members of the U.S. Army National Guard and U.S. Air National Guard provide crowd control and assist in distribution of meals, ready to eat (MREs) and water to residents of New Orleans, La., Sept. 5, 2005. The military is providing a humanitarian role in distribution of life-sustaining supplies to areas of New Orleans devastated by Hurricane Katrina.

 CH-47 Chinook helicopter uses a water basket to drop water on two house fires in downtown New Orleans

The crew of a CH-47 Chinook helicopter uses a water basket to drop water on two house fires in downtown New Orleans, La., on Sept. 6, 2005. The Chinook was part of a joint military and civilian effort to assist firefighters on the ground fighting the blazing house fires. DoD photo.
Humvee departs the New Orleans Superdome in Louisiana

A National Guard Humvee departs the New Orleans Superdome in Louisiana on Sept. 5, 2005, to patrol the streets after Hurricane Katrina devastated the city leaving thousands stranded. DoD photo.

 Specialist James Meidl operates a D-7 Bulldozer to help clear the roads in Pass Christian, Miss.

U.S. Army National Guardsman Spc. James Meidl operates a D-7 Bulldozer to help clear the roads in Pass Christian, Miss., on Sept. 5, 2005, during humanitarian relief efforts in support of Joint Task Force Katrina. Meidl is a heavy equipment operator assigned to the 890th Engineering Battalion in Columbia, Miss.  DoD photo.

 Major Timothy A. Doherty, searches the streets by foot for stranded New Orleans citizens

U.S. Army Maj. Timothy A. Doherty of the 148th Medical Co. Georgia Army National Guard, searches the streets by foot for stranded New Orleans citizens on Sept. 4, 2005, after Hurricane Katrina ravished the city. The Army National Guard have been mobilized to take part in Joint Task Force - Katrina, a humanitarian assistance operation in a joint effort led by the Department of Defense in conjunction with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Guardsmen clear debris from the beach while in Biloxi, Miss.

U.S. Army Guardsmen from the 890th Engineering Battalion, Alpha Company, Picayune, Miss., clear debris from the beach while in Biloxi, Miss., on Sept. 4, 2005, during humanitarian relief efforts in support of Joint Task Force Katrina. DoD photo.

 H-60 Blackhawk helicopter maneuvers for a rescue in downtown New Orleans

A UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter from the 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas, maneuvers for a rescue in downtown New Orleans, La., on Sept, 4, 2005. More than 300 Department of Defense helicopters are being used for humanitarian and search and recovery missions in support of Hurricane Katrina relief operations. DoD photo

 Lieutenant General Russel Honore, Commander of Joint Task Force Katrina, directs personnel at the airport in New Orleans

U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Russel Honore, Commander of Joint Task Force Katrina, directs personnel at the airport in New Orleans, La., on Sept. 4, 2005. DoD photo.
Army National Guardsmans tosses a bag of ice in Pascagoula, Miss.

U.S. Army National Guardsman Sgt. Orbic Davis tosses a bag of ice to Sgt. Larry Cables in Pascagoula, Miss., on Sept. 3, 2005, during humanitarian relief efforts in support of Joint Task Force Katrina. The two are assigned to 1st Battalion, 204th Air Defense Artillery Battalion, from Newton, Miss. DoD photo.

 UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter flight engineer unloads food and water at the Louisiana Super Dome in New Orleans

A U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter flight engineer unloads food and water at the Louisiana Super Dome in New Orleans on Sept. 3, 2005. The Super Dome is being used as a central staging and relocation center for thousands of displaced New Orleans residents affected by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. DoD photo.

 Army medic unloads food and water at the Super Dome in New Orleans

A U.S. Army medic unloads food and water at the Super Dome in New Orleans, La., Sept. 3, 2005. The dome is being used as a central staging and relocation center for thousands of displaced New Orleans residents affected by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. DoD photo.
Major Timothy A. Doherty, helps an elderly man up from an opening on the roof of a school building near downtown New Orleans

U.S. Army Maj. Timothy A. Doherty, from the 148th Medical Company, Georgia Army National Guard, helps an elderly man up from an opening on the roof of a school building near downtown New Orleans, La., on Sept. 4, 2005, after being stranded by the flood waters that ravished the city. The Army National Guard has been mobilized to take part in Joint Task Force Katrina, a humanitarian assistance operation in a joint effort led by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in conjunction with the Department of Defense.

 HS 60 helicopter searches above a local New Orleans neighborhood for stranded people

An HS 60 helicopter from the Army National Guard searches above a local New Orleans neighborhood for stranded people after Hurricane Katrina ravished the city, Sept. 4, 2005. The Army National Guard have been mobilized to take part in Joint Task Force - Katrina, a humanitarian assistance operation in a joint effort led by the Department of Defense in conjunction with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

 148th Medical Company, Georgia Army National Guard, deliver an elderly man to waiting Air National Guard medical personal at the New Orleans

The 148th Medical Company, Georgia Army National Guard, deliver an elderly man to waiting Air National Guard medical personal at the New Orleans International Airport, La., after being rescued from a school near downtown New Orleans on Sept. 4, 2005. TheArmy National Guard have been mobilized to take part in Joint Task Force - Katrina, a humanitarian assistance operation in a joint effort led by the Department of Defense in conjunction with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Air Force members download a generator from a C-17 “Globemaster III” aircraft

U.S. Air Force members download a generator from a C-17 "Globemaster III" aircraft to be used in the hurricane relief effort to Keesler, AFB, Miss. on Sept. 1, 2005. Hurricane Katrina battered the Gulf Coast with wind gusts in excess of 140 miles per hour, flattened buildings and flooded areas from Florida to Louisiana. Millions of people were left without power and hundreds of thousands homeless.

 Army National Guardsmen grab bags of ice

U.S. Army National Guard Sgt. Burl Gulledge and Sgt First Class James F. Mclerd from the 900th Maintenance Company, Brundidge, Ala., grab bags of ice that will be given to locals while at Dauphin Island, Ala during humanitarian relief efforts in support of Joint Task Force Katrina, Sept. 1, 2005.

 helicopter rescue crew and paramedics from the Mobile area assist a woman onto a gurney

A Coast Guard helicopter rescue crew and paramedics from the Mobile area assist a woman onto a gurney at the Coast Guard base here today. Critically ill patients from a Biloxi National Guard field hospital were transported to the Coast Guard base and transferred to local EMS. U.S. Coast Guard photograph.
People taking cases of water out of a van

September 1, 2005, Aviation Ordnancemen from the Amphibious Assault Ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) work along side National Guardsmen from the Biloxi, MS area at the Gulf Port International Airport, now one of the main staging areas for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts in Mississippi, to load a UH-60 Blackhawk with water and ice to be delivered to victims of the hurricane. USS Bataan (LHD 5)'s involvement in the humanitarian assistance operations is an effort led by the Department of Defense in conjunction with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Bataan has been tasked to be the Maritime Disaster Relief Coordinator for the Navyís role in the relief efforts. (US NAVY Photo by PH1 Ken J. Riley)

 Soldiers loading water into helicopter

U.S. Army Maj. Todd Berry of the 82nd Airborne from Fort Bragg, N.C., points out key locations on a map of the city of New Orleans, La., on Sept. 3, 2005. The U.S. Army is here to help bring order and security in support of Hurricane Katrina relief effort.

 Soldiers escort hurricane victims to a Army CH-47 Chinook helicopter during Hurricane Katrina relief efforts

Army National Guardsmen Spcs. Trauth and Hanks escort hurricane victims to a Army CH-47 Chinook helicopter during Hurricane Katrina relief efforts in New Orleans, La., on Sept. 3, 2005.The humanitarian assistance operations is a joint effort led by the Department of Defense in conjunction with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Victims of Hurricane Katrina are airlifted into New Orleans International Airport via U.S. military transport

Victims of Hurricane Katrina are airlifted into New Orleans International Airport via U.S. military transport on Sept. 2. Search and rescue crews are bringing in wave after wave of evacuees. Emergency medical crews are on hand to provide care to those with special needs. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jacob N. Bailey

 More victims of Hurricane Katrina are airlifted into New Orleans International Airport via U.S. military transport

Victims of Hurricane Katrina are airlifted into New Orleans International Airport via U.S. military transport on Sept. 2. Search and rescue crews are bringing in wave after wave of evacuees. Emergency medical crews are on hand to provide care to those with special needs. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jacob N. Bailey

 MRE's are picked up from a warehouse on a fork lift for the Hurricane Katrina relief

MRE's are picked up from a warehouse on a fork lift for the Hurricane Katrina relief effort at Little Rock Air Force Base, AR September 3, 2005.
Members of the Louisiana National Guard and The Dallas, Tx. Disaster Medical Assistance Team ferry litter-borne evacuees from a truck for transport to a triage area inside the New Orleans Airport

New Orleans, September 2, 2005 - Members of the Louisiana National Guard and The Dallas, Tx. Disaster Medical Assistance Team ferry litter-borne evacuees from a truck for transport to a triage area inside the New Orleans Airport. Thousands of rescued residents stranded by Hurricane Katrina are being evacuated to cities around the nation. New Orleans is being evacuated due to flooding caused by hurricane Katrina. photo by Win Henderson / FEMA photo.

 Captain Erika Smith, talks to a patient that is being transported from the airport in New Orleans

Capt. Erika Smith of the 43rd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, Pope AFB, talks to a patient that is being transported from the airport in New Orleans. These patients were taken to awaiting medical personnel in Texas on a C-130H from the 130th Airlift Wing, West Virginia Air National Guard, Charleston, W.Va. SMS Charles R. Ware

 Soldiers help victims of Hurricane Katrina to be airlifted into New Orleans International Airport

Victims of Hurricane Katrina are airlifted into New Orleans International Airport via U.S. military transport on Sept. 2. Search and rescue crews are bringing in wave after wave of evacuees. Emergency medical crews are on hand to provide care to those with special needs. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jacob N. Bailey
Alabama Army National Guardsmen, load hurricane relief supplies onto a truck

Alabama Army National Guardsmen from the 900th Maintenance Company, load hurricane relief supplies onto a truck at Dauphin Island, Ala. Department of Defense photo.

 Different Soldiers load a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter with hurricane relief supplies

Mississippi Army National Guardsmen and Sailors from the Amphibious Assault Ship USS Bataan (LHD-5) load a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter with hurricane relief supplies at Gulf Port International Airport, Miss. Department of Defense photo.

 Sergeant Donald McVay, loads Meals, Ready-to-Eat for victims of Hurricane Katrina

Sgt. Donald McVay, from the 900th Maintenance Company, Alabama Army National Guard, loads Meals, Ready-to-Eat for victims of Hurricane Katrina. Department of Defense photo.
Helicopter on landing pad

A National Guardsmen from the Biloxi, MS area at the Gulf Port International Airport, now one of the main staging areas for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts in Mississippi, loads a pallet of ice into the back of a MH-53E helicopter from Helicopter Mine Counter Measure Squadron Fifteen (HM-15), based at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas during the third day of the Hurricane Katrina’s relief efforts. Department of Defense photo.

 4th Infantry Division Soldiers load up a bus for their deployment to assist ongoing federal humanitarian operations

4th Infantry Division Soldiers load up a bus for their deployment to assist ongoing federal humanitarian operations and help victims of Hurricane Katrina in southern Louisiana Sept. 1. Photo by Spc. Rodney Foliente.

 UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter lifts off into the morning sky as another helicopter rolls into take-off position for the deployment to assist ongoing federal humanitarian operations

A 4th Infantry Division UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter lifts off into the morning sky as another helicopter rolls into take-off position for the deployment to assist ongoing federal humanitarian operations and help victims of Hurricane Katrina in southern Louisiana Sept. 1. Photo by Spc. Rodney Foliente.
Satellite image, showing the status of Hurricane Katrina

GOES-12 Satellite image provided by NASA Goddard, Space Flight Center, Md., showing the status of Hurricane Katrina, at 1200Z or 7 A.M., EST, in the Gulf of Mexico on Aug. 28, 2005. Department of Defense photo.

 Rising floodwaters swallow parked cars on Keesler Air Force Base, Miss.

Rising floodwaters swallow parked cars on Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., Aug. 29, 2005, as Hurricane Katrina hits the region. The base and the 6,000 sheltered military students, permanent party, civilians and their families survived the Category 4 hurricane with no casualties. The initial damage to base infrastructure was catastrophic; the base is currently in the assessment and recovery stage. Department of Defense photo.

 Heavily damaged riverboat casino Valance in Biloxi, Miss.

The heavily damaged riverboat casino Valance in Biloxi, Miss., tilts precariously after the area was hit by Hurricane Katrina, as seen in this aerial shot on Aug 31, 2005. Katrina battered the Gulf Coast with wind gusts in excess of 140 miles per hour, flattened buildings, and flooded areas from Florida to Louisiana. Millions of people are left without power, and hundreds of thousands are homeless. Department of Defense photo.
Hundreds of homes in Biloxi, Miss., were destroyed by Hurricane Katrina

Hundreds of homes in Biloxi, Miss., were destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, as seen in this aerial shot on Aug. 31, 2005. Katrina battered the Gulf Coast with wind gusts in excess of 140 miles per hour, flattened buildings, and flooded areas from Florida to Louisiana. Millions of people are left without power, and hundreds of thousands are homeless. Department of Defense photo.

 Lieutenant General Russel Honore, embarks USS Bataan (LHD 5)

Commander Joint Task Force Katrina, Lt. Gen. Russel Honore, embarks USS Bataan (LHD 5) August 31 to get a first-hand look at the ship's disaster relief operations capabilities. Bataan's involvement in the humanitarian assistance operations is an effort led by the Department of Defense in conjunction with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Bataan has been tasked to be the Maritime Disaster Relief Coordinator for the Navy's role in the relief efforts. Department of Defense photo.

 Multi-purpose utility truck brings supplies to the Super Dome in downtown New Orleans

National Guard multi-purpose utility truck brings supplies to the Super Dome in downtown New Orleans, La., on Aug 31, 2005. Tens of thousands of displaced citizens sought shelter at the dome, before, during and after Hurricane Katrina, but have been forced to evacuate as floodwaters continue to rise throughout the area. Department of Defense photo.