National Guard Responds to Hurricane Irene

Hurricane Irene has made landfall in North Carolina. Winds, storm surge, heavy rains and tornadoes are being felt from South Carolina to New Jersey and the storm is moving towards New York and New England.

North Carolina's National Guard is using an innovative method for its Hurricane Irene response. Using the Force Package Concept, the Guard has readied three specialized teams of soldiers to provide assistance to the state and local authorities.

One team is equipped and trained to provide rescue, security and other generalized services. A second team is made up of warehouse and logistics experts that will help maximize the location, movement and distribution of relief supplies and personnel. The third unit is a command and control force which will provide and coordinate communications among state agencies, and also bring emergency communications capabilities to hurricane stricken areas of the state. The NC National Guard will also be providing aviation assets for search and rescue, transportation and damage assessment.

The Virginia National Guard has moved about 325 soldiers into position to provide rescue and relief service in Eastern Virginia in advance of the arrival of Hurricane Irene. With vehicles designed to travel in high water and heavy construction equipment, the Guard will be able to clear roads, evacuate trapped citizens and perform a wide variety of other tasks for state and local authorities. Additional troops can be activated after the storm passes to assist the forces currently staging.

Hurricane Irene is expected to reach the New York City area sometime on Sunday. The City has already ordered the evacuation of Zone A, the areas in the city's five boroughs most susceptible to storm surge and flooding. The New York State National Guard has activated about 900 soldiers and airmen.

230 National Guardsmen are being staged in Farmingdale on Long Island. These troops will be used on the Island in the immediate aftermath of the hurricane. They have been equipped with high-axle vehicles, chain saws and other equipment for their mission.

290 airmen and soldiers are being staged in Peekskill. These troops are tasked to move to Long Island as quickly as possible after Hurricane Irene passes.

225 soldiers will be staged in New York City or in Peekskill assigned to assist the city and other communities in the lower Hudson Valley. An additional force of 140 will be deployed in a number of locations to provide logistical support along with command and control for the entire Guard deployment.