The Air Force general who commands NORAD says approximately 13,000 Defense Dept. personnel have been working on the federal response to the hurricane that came ashore in North Carolina days ago and continues to cause havoc in the Southeast.
Gen. Terrence O'Shaughnessy praised the military response, saying it is working “seamlessly” with FEMA, as well as state and local efforts. However, he expressed concern about flooding that could continue to claim lives and destroy property over the next few days.
O'Shaughnessy singled out the U.S. Coast Guard for praise as leading the search and rescue effort. But, he also said North and South Carolina have been using their helicopters and rescue teams effectively.
He said the Defense Department’s high water vehicles have been used to rescue hundreds of residents, and said they are probably the most used asset in the post-hurricane rescue effort.
