Forces from the U.S. Army, the U.S. Army National Guard, and the U.S. Army Reserves are in "ready mode" to provide hurricane relief support to FEMA and other state and federal agencies feeling the effects of Hurricane Florence. Water purification, high water vehicles, and rotary wing aircraft that support search and rescue efforts are just a few of the Army capabilities ready to respond and available for action when the call comes in.
Army and installation social media sites are reiterating FEMA's messages to "keep away from windows; prepare for power outages; communicate with friends and family; and stay informed by tuning to in to TV/radio and city/county websites for weather updates and emergency instructions."
North Carolina is establishing a state level Joint Task Force and Maj. Gen. James C. Ernst, North Carolina Army National Guard, will take the lead as the Dual Status Commander.
FEMA is coordinating the Federal Government's support. DoD is supporting FEMA with U.S. Army Forces and other DoD components on the ground providing the requested support.
Here are a few U.S. Army highlights as of 5pm Eastern time, 14 September 2018:
• Over 6,500 Soldiers have been committed to provided support to the area.
• Approximately 124 rotary wing aircraft from the U.S. Army, U.S. Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserves are sheltered in the proximity of the affected storm areas and available within the first 24 hours. Additional aircraft are available within 24-72 hours if necessary.
• Approximately 800 Army High Water Vehicles from Fort Stewart, Georgia, Fort Drum, New York, and Fort Campbell, Kentucky are available for ground search and rescue, commodities distribution, citizen transportation, and patient movement.
• Army Soldiers from the 249th Engineer Battalion deployed to assist with temporary power missions -- generator assessments and installations.
• The Army has nearly 3,000 cots for citizens that are displaced.
• The Army has nearly 200 medical beds ready for use.
Army Corps of Engineers
• The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has more than 160 personnel engaged and coordinating with local, state and FEMA partners in preparation for storm impacts.
• USACE has received 14 mission assignments including national and regional activations, temporary emergency power, debris, infrastructure assessment, water and wastewater assessment and temporary roofing.
• USACE has deployed seven Deployable Tactical Operations Center Vehicles to assist with communication capabilities.
• USACE's Emergency Operations Centers have integrated into county and state efforts regarding flood response and will provide assistance once requested.
Army National Guard
• Virginia: The Virginia National Guard is planning to bring up to 1,500 Soldiers and Airmen for possible assistance with the state's response operations.
• North Carolina: Will activate 320 National Guard Soldiers on state orders integrating into North Carolina Emergency Management's disaster response plan.
• South Carolina: About 1,100 National Guard Soldiers on state orders for hurricane response. Guard personnel will remain on-duty as long as needed.
• Maryland: The Maryland National Guard anticipates activating 500 Soldiers for hurricane response.
Visual imagery and b-roll footage is available at the following DVIDS link:
https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/armyhurricaneflorence
B-Roll footage of 101st truck convoy to Fort Bragg for Hurricane Florence relief
https://www.dvidshub.net/video/625405/101st-hurricane-florence-relief
For continued updates, please monitor the following Army social media sites:
Facebook = https://www.facebook.com/USarmy/
Twitter = https://twitter.com/USArmy (@USArmy)
Instagram = https://www.instagram.com/usarmy/ (@USArmy)
YouTube = https://www.youtube.com/user/usarmy
The Army will be using the following hashtag for all social media:
#Armyresponse
Related Links:
Visual imagery and b-roll footage
Social Sharing