Sgt. Patrick Kanaley, a Buffalo, N.Y., native, with

Sgt. Patrick Kanaley, a Buffalo, N.Y., native, with Battalion Landing Team 3/2, uses an ax to break apart the deck of a home Nov. 9, that was destroyed by Hurricane Sandy in Breezy Point, a small community of New York City. The Marines and sailors, who are with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, have been working in coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Army Corps of Engineers, the Army National Guard and local authorities to clear out roads and access ways to help residents affected by the storm. The Navy-Marine Corps team is well-equipped to respond to national disasters when required, through the coordination of U.S. Northern Command. While the military plays an important role in disaster response, all our efforts are in support of FEMA first and foremost, who coordinate closely with state and local officials.