Robin's check-in from NOLA

New Orleans, Louisiana.

Hello there, friends--

I'm checking in from New Orleans, LA! For those I didn't talk to before leaving, the Coast Guard called me up on May 26th to head down for Deepwater response efforts here in NOLA and surrounding areas. I'm currently just a few miles from downtown New Orleans still going through the intake process, awaiting assignment either in the field or at one of the area command posts. Reserves and active duty members from all over the country have reported here, and more come every day. Teams of pollution investigators, boom placement crews, and emergency response teams are set up all over from Louisiana to Florida. My brother Erik is also down here and called today while on a boat laying boom in Mobile; it's very cool to have him here. I asked around about positions near him for myself, but I think I'm already slated to stay here in Louisiana.

My orders are for 60 days so I anticipate being here through August 1. It will be an adventure and a learning experience for sure. I have not heard talk of a switch to Title 10 orders for us (much longer time period) and that instead they are "committed to demobilization after 60 days." I imagine, however, that the request for Coast Guard presence will continue here for some time.

I got some time last night to walk around Bourbon Street and take some photos. The local festivities are best taken in when the senses are ready! If you just sift through things a bit, you can find a goldmine of great local music, dancing, art, food, architecture, colors, and southern personality. I was lucky to find a group of local musicians camped on a side street playing Zydeco, locals were dancing everywhere, great tunes.

I hope this finds you all well. I'll continue to send updates as interesting stuff or good photos happen.
Best,
Robin