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28 MH-60R Seahawk Helicopters, assigned to the Commander, Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Atlantic, execute hurrevac at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, Sept. 28, 2022. The units arrived from Naval Air Station Jacksonville and Naval Station Mayport in preparation for Hurricane Ian making landfall. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Juliana Todd)

Crisis Response Preparedness and Security Cooperation

Published April 22, 2026
By Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategies, Plans, and Capabilities

How is Security Cooperation enabling preparedness for crisis and disaster response, humanitarian assistance, and emerging transboundary challenges?

Kearney-Kurt, Christine, "Overcoming Strategic Blind Spots in Airlift Operations," AFGC thesis, 2025, 35 pgs.
- Kearney-Kurt emphasizes that effective HADR requires seamless interoperability between the Department of Defense (DoD), the State Department, U.S. allies, and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). She points out that these agencies often lack a common vernacular and use different reporting systems, leading to costly delays. As a long-term solution, she proposes the creation of a single, unified software program across all functions and nations. This would allow the U.S. government, partner militaries, and international relief groups to share personnel availability, supplies, and services in one centralized system, bridging the interagency gap during crises.