CONTACT: . Sgt. Michael OHalloran (845) 563-2040

FOR RELEASE: Wednesday, Oct 17, 2007

Newburgh, N.Y. -- The 105th Airlift Wing in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Administration, Region II will conduct a deployment exercise here on Thursday, Oct. 17. FEMA plans on deploying their Pre-positioned Equipment Program (PEP) which is used for protection, detection, decontamination, communications, and explosive ordnance disposal. The equipment is used in multiple environments and is specifically tailored to sustain and reconstitute local and state first responders sufficient for 72 hours of response and recovery. “The 105th Airlift Wing as a component of the National Guard takes its responsibilities to the people of New York very seriously.” “Working along side with agencies like FEMA demonstrates our commitment to our state mission.” “We believe today’s exercise and training strengthens the ability of the federal government to respond to emergencies here in New York and across the nation,” said Brig. Gen. Verle L. Johnston Jr., 105th Airlift Wing Commander. The 105th Airlift Wing is one of two Air National Guard units in the country with an operational C-5 mission. The unit’s 13 aircraft regularly fly missions around the world in support of America’s armed force. Stewart Air National Guard Base is located just 70 miles north of New York City and has a 20-year proven track record for answering the call to duty both in New York State and around the globe. The Wing has more than 1,500 assigned members, many of them still involved in the Global War on Terrorism and Homeland Defense operations.