Photo By Sgt. Lianne Hirano | U.S. Army Capt. Daniel Fried of the 311th SC (T) supports emergency relief efforts in...... read more read more
MAUI, Hawaii — In the aftermath of the devastating fires that swept through Lahaina, state guard, active and reserve military personnel stepped up to provide support as part of Joint Task Force-50, aiding the people of Maui. Soldiers of the 311th Signal Command (Theater) did their part in coordinating vital logistics support services where needed.
As residents slept, the Lahaina fires unprecedentedly erupted in the early hours of Aug. 8, reducing communities to ashes and leaving essential resources scarce. More than 100 people died in the following days. Nearly a thousand remain missing.
Soldiers of the 311th SC (T) mobilized in two iterations, each hailing from a different occupational field.
Capt. William Close, a logistics officer for the command, played an essential role in the task force's Joint Operations Team, or J3, coordinating the distribution of resources to communities in need. His role as a liaison between the state and vital resources on other islands allowed him unique insight into the areas affected and to see relief arrive in real-time.
His team's primary responsibility was to ensure a stable water supply for the residents still in Maui, many of whom were left without access to drinking water due to contamination caused by the fires.
"The state would create a request, the Hawaii National Guard would send that request to U.S. Army Pacific, who would then task that request out to one of their units," said Close. "So, in the case of water, it would have been someone from a sustianment brigade at Schofield Barracks in Oahu. Our mission was to facilitate them getting in as quickly as possible in the most efficient manner so they can provide water to the people."
Beyond water distribution, the two teams also offered coordination support for the Defense POW/ MIA Accounting Agency, whose mortuary specialists worked respectfully, dignity and compassionately to honor those who tragically lost their lives in the disaster, providing services that acknowledge each individual's profound loss and dignity.
"It was a humbling experience to see what the people went through and hearing first-hand stories of families having to leave their home in the middle of the night," said Close. "The disaster reminded me of black and white documentary reels of the aftermath of bombs dropping where everything was just gone."
Capt. Daniel Fried, a human resource officer, was part of the second iteration to maintain coordination efforts as the first team returned home. Fried and his team continued to ensure that supplies and personnel were where they were needed most. His expertise as personnel management officer for the 311th SC (T) G1, proved invaluable in the dynamic and challenging environment of post-fire Lahaina.
"Serving on domestic soil definitely made it more personal and really demonstrates that duty is first and foremost to our fellow citizens," said Fried. "It's a tragedy what happened; federal, state and local entities coming together to help citizens and taxpayers is our job. It's what we signed up for."
Soldiers of the 516th Theater Signal Brigade, 311th SC (T), also provided strategic signal support for the affected areas of Maui.
"Staff Sgt. Eddy Reyes and Maj. Jason Grams were indispensable in their role providing Help Desk and Communications Planning support to USARPAC's Theater Joint Force Land Component Command J6 in Maui," said Maj. Brittany McCroan, an operations officer for the 516th TSB. "They worked directly with FEMA and the Hawaii National Guard to ensure robust and reliable communications for the relief efforts."
With more than ten units across the Indo-Pacific, the 311th SC (T) is the only Theater Signal Command for the United States Indo-Pacific Command, providing communication services across 16 time zones.
Though small in numbers, the 311th SC (T) teams profoundly contributed to Maui's recovery efforts.
Residents of Lahaina began to return home last week; many are uncertain as to what they will encounter.
"The best thing people can do right now is provide food and clothes through a local church or outreach shelter going to Lahaina or volunteer time with the Red Cross if possible," said Close. "They will continue to need our support."
| Date Taken: | 10.04.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 10.23.2023 15:07 |
| Story ID: | 455155 |
| Location: | MAUI, HAWAII, US |
| Hometown: | FORT SHAFTER, HAWAII, US |
| Web Views: | 128 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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