03/29/2026
OHMR AT26: Logistics Staging Area
On March 5, 2025, the Ohio Military Reserve Again Performs their Logistics Staging Area (LSA) Mission in a Full-scale Exercise at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base.
On March 5, 2025, the Ohio Military Reserve (OHMR) participated in a full scale Logistics Staging Area (LSA) exercise held at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base. The Ohio Emergency Management Agency, in cooperation with the Ohio Public Private Partnership (OP3), brought together public and private organizations to practice establishing and operating an LSA—an essential disaster response hub used to receive, stage, and deploy critical resources to affected communities.
The OHMR set up and operated the LSA during this full-scale exercise. This included site buildout, checkpoint operations, vehicle flow, and the tracking of all resources moving in and out of the LSA—showcasing their ability to quickly establish a fully functional logistics hub during disaster response operations. In a real disaster the Ohio EMA would request the OHMR through the Ohio National Guard.
Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA), DHL Logistics, Walmart, Kroger, OH811, Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP), Ohio Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (OSBDR), Disaster Aid USA, and the Columbus Airport provided the vehicle support for this eight hour full scale exercise, creating a hands on opportunity to test communication, coordination, and resource movement. Additionally, RANGB worked in conjunction with the Columbus Airport Authority and the OSHP to work their K-9 units at the entry access point.
This event marked the second time COTA has supported the OHMR in an LSA full-scale exercise. During Vigilant Guard 2019, COTA also provided transportation for OHMR personnel to and from RANGB. COTA takes great pride in supporting military members and veterans, and for this year’s exercise, both COTA buses proudly displayed their specially marked graphics recognizing that commitment. Additionally, and through a public private partnership, OSBDR provided meals for all participants.
This exercise strengthened Ohio’s emergency response partnerships and improved statewide preparedness for large scale incidents requiring rapid and effective logistics operations.
