2026 Agenda

When disaster strikes, nothing is more critical than knowing where your people and resources are—and where they are needed. First developed by the USAF Research Laboratory for military operators, TAK (Team Awareness Kit) has evolved into a powerful situational awareness tool that's proven invaluable to public safety.

When devastating floods struck Central Texas during the last 4th of July weekend, 2,000 first responders from more than 30 agencies poured into the area. More than a dozen helicopters, several fixed-wing aircraft, and U.S. Coast Guard assets were deployed for rescues and recoveries. Coordinating the air, water, and ground operations revealed both TAK's value and identified critical lessons in communications planning.
The response underscored the importance of PACE planning (Primary, Alternate, Contingency, Emergency) to sustain operations when infrastructure is compromised. Coordinating air assets was complicated by drone activity and the limitations of ADS-B tracking, sometimes causing hazardous conflicts in the airspace.

This session will highlight how TAK was leveraged in Texas, lessons learned, and practical takeaways for agencies preparing for disaster response. It will also examine capabilities made possible with the merging of cellular and satellite communications. With technology like T-Satellite, which utilizes Starlink assets, TAK users with smartphones and tablets can stay connected even when terrestrial coverage is nonexistent. This game-changing advance will improve situational awareness in extreme conditions and improve first responder safety.
Bottom line: Attendees will gain firsthand insights from the flood response, an understanding of TAK's capabilities, and a forward look at the future of satellite-assisted response.

Takeaway

• Clear understanding of TAK's capabilities and its proven use during the Central Texas flood response.
• Lessons learned from the Central Texas response including the essential role of PACE planning.
• Limitations of ADS-B aircraft location technology and strategies to mitigate associated risks.
• Recognition of the safety and operational gains possible through cellular/satellite connectivity when terrestrial networks fail.