Military Responds

So far, here is NORTHCOM's response to Hurricane Rita, even with ongoing relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina:

Defense Coordinating Officer and Defense Coordinating Element in Austin, Texas.
Five two-man communication teams, providing satellite phones and long-range satellite radio systems.

26 helicopters for damage assessment, search and rescue, and medical evacuation: 18 heavy-lift, six medium-lift and two medical evacuation helicopters.

USS Iwo Jima, USS Shreveport, USS Tortuga, USS Grapple, USNS Patuxent and USNS Comfort are preparing to follow the storm to the Texas coast.

Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio is designated as the operational staging area for distribution of supplies.

The 5th Army under Lt. Gen. Robert Clark is expected to be designated as a joint task force.
NORTHCOM's Joint Operations Center continues 24-hour operations to monitor the storm's progress and to facilitate subsequent requests for assistance that may come from FEMA representatives.