Republic Is Hub of Relief Efforts

Since Hurricane Sandy's arrival, Farmingdale's Republic Airport has been acting as a key gateway for supplies and the coordination of resources for the region.

FEMA, state officials and National Guard personnel are using the Farmingdale facility as a command and control center, airport officials reported.

The airport is closed for business as usual but remains a hub of activity. Generators are arriving by flatbed to be redeployed where needed and equipment for the Guard is arriving by air for distribution to the field. Hundreds of trailers are now on the site.

Wednesday night, a massive four-engine C-130 arrived with additional supplies as the emergency response is sustained for a region of 2.7 million people.

Republic usually serves as the state' busiest general aviation airport but these aren't usual times.

A number of small planes were thrown from their tie-downs during the storm and owners have arrived to survey the damage. For the most part, no one is flying from Republic unless they are on emergency business. Some private flights are being permitted during the day but with prior approval.

A "T-hangar," used to house small aircraft, was tossed in the air but hurt no one, an airport spokesman said.

There are hundreds of National Guard troops stationed at Republic for the emergency. These emergency responders are eating peanut butter on crackers - high energy, easy to eat and right back to business. The meals don't need refrigeration.