Ray Celeste, military legislative assistant to Congressman

Ray Celeste, military legislative assistant to Congressman Walter B. Jones, along with other representatives from North Carolina and military representatives, tour a residence damaged by Hurricane Florence on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. Nov. 29, 2018. The intent of Celeste's visit was to discuss military construction needs with every impacted installation, with the focus on anything that could be considered for emergency military contracting in the wake of Hurricane Florence. "Not only did the hurricane cause damage to over 800 facilities but it has displaced over 3,000 Marines from their work places," said Maj. Simba Chigwida, legislative liaison, Marine Corps Installations Command. "We need to ensure that this is recognized and understand how it impacts defense readiness and also the local area here." Florence impacted MCB Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station New River with periods of strong winds, heavy rains, flooding of urban and low lying areas, flash floods and coastal storm surges on Sept. 14. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ashley Gomez)