Emergency response at Robins AFB, Ga., will become more nimble and better equipped with the delivery of a new Mobile Emergency Command Center at the end of December. The specially designed, 39-foot vehicle comprises six command, control, and communication workstations, a fully independent power supply, and stand-alone functionality for upwards of four days. Farber Specialty Vehicles of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, builds the bus-like vehicle, which will mimic the full function of Robins’ fixed control center, should the need for on-scene incident command arise. The modified Freightliner MT55 is outfitted with internet, cellular, and radio communications capabilities and will replace a less-capable trailer currently used for the same purpose. (Robins report by Wayne Crenshaw)
Three of four congressional committees with influence over defense policy have voted to change the official name of the Department of Defense to the Department of War—but final approval of the Pentagon rebrand is months away and not yet assured.