The Enterprise Emergency Response Team (EERT) is a group of IT professionals who work behind the scenes to ensure the success of disaster recovery missions for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The EERT consists of four contractors who provide information management and technology support services to various USACE districts across the country. In the case of the Hawai‘i wildfires recovery effort, the EERT is responsible for meeting the technology needs of over 80 deployed USACE personnel. Their tasks include handling mobile phones, landlines, printers, setting up cables and programs, and troubleshooting tech issues.
The EERT team members have interchangeable skill sets, allowing them to switch roles as needed. Sh’Gay Johnson, a desktop support technician, specializes in preparing and installing ethernet cables, crucial for connecting the team to the system and enabling them to start their work. Spencer McMillan, a system administrator, manages shared email groups, calendars, and electronic devices’ access to the USACE network. Ryan Hetherington, a senior PC tech, takes care of printer and telephone system setup, as well as ensuring public Wi-Fi access. George Rogers, the EERT lead, has been deploying for disaster responses since 2012, and for the Hawai‘i wildfire recovery, the team utilized new technology called Starlink Satellite Solutions. This technology empowered the field teams to power handheld electronic devices and improved their communication and assessment capabilities.
Overall, the EERT plays a vital role in supporting disaster recovery missions by providing essential technology services to USACE personnel. Their efforts help keep the mission moving forward and enable the teams to effectively assist the affected communities in recovering from the wildfires in Hawai‘i.
