Ellsworth providing critical support to FEMA

Airmen from the 28th Bomb Wing are providing vital support to the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the federal response to recent flooding in South Dakota and surrounding states.

Ellsworth is serving as a staging base for 21 FEMA tractor trailers of relief supplies, providing secure storage, office space and communications, and heavy equipment support. The trailers contain valuable commodities, such as cots, blankets, water and ready-to-eat meals.

"We are here to help however we can," said Col. Mark Weatherington, 28th BW commander. "We pride ourselves on being strong community partners and will do whatever we can to assist our neighbors across this region in a time of need." Communities across South Dakota, North Dakota and Montana face the threat of catastrophic flooding due to heavy rainfall and melting snow in the higher elevations that feeds into local rivers.

"This is a great partnership between state, federal and local agencies, to ensure we provide affected communities the assistance they need," Colonel Weatherington said.

"Ellsworth has been a great host, providing everything needed," said Col. Darrell Jesse, Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer for U.S. Northern Command. "FEMA knew they would be, and that's why they chose Ellsworth."

Additional details about Ellsworth's role in assisting FEMA with disaster preparedness operations will be released as they become available.