NEW ORLEANS (Aug. 29, 2005) - Flooded roadways can be seen as the Coast Guard conducts initial Hurricane Katrina damage assessment overflights here today. U.S. Coast Guard photograph by Petty Officer 2nd Class Kyle Niemi


NEW ORLEANS (Aug. 29, 2005) - Petty Officer 1st Class Steven Huerta hoists two children into a Coast Guard rescue helicopter here today. Others watch from below as the children are among many New Orleans citizens to be rescued from their rooftops due to flooding caused by Hurricane Katrina. The Coast Guard has begun damage assessment overflights as well as search and rescue operations following the hurricane. Huerta, 34, of Tampa, Fla., is an aviation maintenance technician stationed at Coast Guard Aviation Training Center Mobile, Ala. U.S. Coast Guard photograph by Petty Officer 2nd Class Kyle Niemi

Our hearts go out to the families affected by this massive storm - and our thanks go out to all the Heroes - both military and civilian - who are responding.