NORMAN, Okla. – Emergency response agencies from across the state gathered last week for the Oklahoma National Guard’s second annual Domestic Operations Symposium.
The symposium was held April 14-15 at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Norman, Okla. City, state and federal leaders, as well as those from neighboring states, attended to build partnerships in the event of a domestic emergency or disaster.
“What I think the Guard brings to the table is the ability to be in the right place at the right time and bring everyone together with a common picture,” said Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Mancino, adjutant general for Oklahoma. “We work with [emergency response agencies] to supplement their capabilities in those affected areas.”
When activated for a domestic response, the Oklahoma National Guard acts at the direction of the incident command and local agencies, offering capabilities ranging from wildland and aviation firefighting, flood and tornado response, engineering assets and more.
Some of its domestic responses include the 2019 floods in northeastern Oklahoma, the 1999 and 2013 Moore tornadoes and several missions assisting neighboring states for hurricane relief efforts.
While some Oklahomans may not consider the possibility of a domestic emergency until it’s too late, agencies attending the symposium can’t afford such complacency. Their missions focus primarily on preparing before disaster strikes. Part of that preparation includes training with agency partners to ensure everyone understands each other’s processes.
“I don’t want to meet [agency partners] for the first time on an Oklahoman’s worst day,” said Lt. Col. Brent Hill, deputy director of military support for the OKNG. “I think this event is absolutely vital for domestic response—let’s build those relationships now.”
This year’s symposium included speakers and panel discussions focused on various subjects, including domestic responses the state has witnessed before, with an added focus on wildland firefighting and the growth of counter-UAS capabilities.
“We are there to support everyone in this room,” said Col. Khalid Hussein, OKNG director of military support. “The Oklahoma National Guard stands ready to support you.”