Center for a New American Security

This week marks the fourth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina’s landfall in the southeastern United States. In the wake of the storm, United States Northern Command (NORTHCOM) played an integral role in supporting relief efforts in New Orleans, following its directive to “provide assistance…during natural and man-made disasters” within its North American area of responsibility. Drawing on lessons learned, the United States Joint Forces Command carried out Operation Noble Resolve in conjunction with NORTHCOM in 2007, in order to ensure that the U.S. military is even better postured to aid civilian authorities in response to future hurricanes. The U.S. military could see more domestic demand for relief services, if Atlantic hurricanes become more severe with the effects of climate change.

Photo: Hurricane Katrina stalls over Louisiana, Courtesy of the United States Global Change Research Program.