Air National Guard intelligence analysts aid Puerto Rico Published Oct. 5, 2017 By Tech. Sgt. Chauncey Reed 188th Wing Public Affairs FORT SMITH, Ark. -- Air National Guard Intelligence Analysts with the 188th Wing are supporting hurricane disaster relief in Puerto Rico by assessing damage and potential risks of infrastructure on the island, so that workers on the ground can more effectively assist those affected. The Airmen working in the Arkansas Unclassified Processing Analysis and Dissemination (UPAD) station are currently analyzing imagery of the Guajataca Dam in Northwest Puerto Rico, which is severely eroding and could affect tens of thousands of individuals in the area if it collapses. “This is a main water source and a power source because it’s a hydroelectric dam, so its failure could affect the population in multiple ways,” said Tech. Sgt. Danny, 188th Wing intelligence analyst. "Eleven billion gallons of water are in the reservoir. Relief workers are moving to place barriers to slow the water flow and reduce the rate of erosion. It is important that we repair the damage to ensure the safety of people and to prevent additional infrastructure damage." Immediately after Hurricane Harvey, the Arkansas UPAD began working assessments of damage, debris, and roads. Each day, analysts coordinate with agencies like FEMA, NASA, NOAA and the Civil Air Patrol, and then prepare briefings with imagery and erosion estimations on the dam. The overhead imagery offers a bird’s eye view for the workers on the ground, enhancing their incident awareness, and increasing their ability to aid Puerto Ricans. “To me it’s very gratifying to do stuff where you are helping out, and can see the difference," said Danny. "Doing what the National Guard was built for, assisting other states and territories. It’s cool to see our capabilities can not only be used for war but for humanitarian operations to help people.”