Defense Preps for Isaac

The Defense Department has moved coordination teams into Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands as Tropical Storm Isaac slowly makes its way through the area.

Virgin Islands Gov. Governor John P. de Jongh Jr. held a press conference Wednesday with Defense Coordinating Officer Army Col. Michael Miklos and FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer John Long on the federal assets that are either en route or already in position to assist in the aftermath of the storm, which is expected to develop into a hurricane.

Miklos, along with a Defense Coordinating Element team from San Antonio-based Army North, will work with FEMA to help deploy military assets if needed. The U.S. Northern Command, Colorado Springs, said Thursday a Defense Coordinating Element also has been set up in Puerto Rico.

Military aircraft and ships are being moved out of the storm's possible path and other assets are being secured, said Army Lt. Col. Darryl Wright, a spokesman for the Southern Command.