U.S. President George W. Bush highlighted U.S. readiness for the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season as he marked a change of command Thursday at the U.S. Coast Guard, which rescued 33,000 people after last year's Hurricane Katrina. “The whole world saw your skill and bravery during the hurricanes last year,” Bush said in Washington at Fort McNair, where Admiral Thad Allen replaced Admiral Tom Collins as commandant. “They saw Coast Guard rescuers plunging from helicopters, lifting people from rooftops, hoisting them to safety.” However, the overall government response to Katrina was severely flawed. The National Hurricane Center has warned Gulf coast residents to prepare for as many as six major hurricanes during this year's season, which begins June 1. “We're determined to learn the lessons of Katrina, and we're doing everything possible to be prepared for the next storm,” Bush said. “The Department of Homeland Security has reviewed emergency plans for all 50 states and America's 75 largest cities. The department is working closely with communities to identify any weaknesses in their plans and to find ways to improve them now.” Bush said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff has taken steps to reform the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), improve partnerships with the Red Cross and the Defense Department, and expand federal emergency supplies.
