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Florida National Guard readies all resources

By 107th Mobile Public Affairs DetachmentSeptember 27, 2022

Florida Nation Guard readies all resources
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sgt. Kasey Jones and Spc. Jeremiah White, soldiers from the Florida National Guard’s 146th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, discuss network equipment crucial to the relief effort with oncoming Hurricane Ian. Governor Ron Desantis called upon the combined strength of the Florida National Guard to provide support wherever needed, with signal capabilities targeting the possibility of incapacitated networks across the state. (U.S Army Photo by Pfc. Alexander Helman) (Photo Credit: Courtesy) VIEW ORIGINAL
Florida Nation Guard readies all resources
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Staff Sgt. Daniel Mcauliffe and Warrant Officer Eduardo Ramirez, soldiers in the Florida National Guard’s 146th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, overlook infrastructural data in the state’s fight against Hurricane Ian. With the encroaching threat of possible network loss, the Florida National Guard prepared its signal equipment for structural reinforcement. (U.S Army Photo by Pfc. Alexander Helman) (Photo Credit: Courtesy) VIEW ORIGINAL
Florida Nation Guard readies all resources
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sgt. Kasey Jones, a soldier from the Florida National Guard’s 146th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, assesses equipment vital to communication in the fight against Hurricane Ian. The threat of structural downage across the state prompted the Florida National Guard to act fast, drawing upon its resources in the event that infrastructure required swift support. (U.S Army Photo by Pfc. Alexander Helman) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Leia Tascarini) VIEW ORIGINAL

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — In response to the threat of Hurricane Ian, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis activated approximately 5,000 Florida National Guard Soldiers and Florida Air National Guard personnel in preparation for landfall.

With the possibility of infrastructure damage, Gov. DeSantis will enlist state and local leadership to ensure the safety and health of the local population. Florida National Guard Soldiers at the Maxwell Snyder Armory in Jacksonville and several other locations around the state will conduct emergency response operations as well as assist local and state entities.

Florida Nation Guard readies all resources
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sgt. Kasey Jones, a soldier from the Florida National Guard’s 146th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, assesses equipment vital to communication in the fight against Hurricane Ian. The threat of structural downage across the state prompted the Florida National Guard to act fast, drawing upon its resources in the event that infrastructure required swift support. (U.S Army Photo by Pfc. Alexander Helman) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Leia Tascarini) VIEW ORIGINAL
Florida Nation Guard readies all resources
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Warrant Officer Eduardo Ramirez, a soldier in the Florida National Guard’s 146th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, overlooks infrastructural data in the state’s fight against Hurricane Ian. With the encroaching threat of possible network loss, the Florida National Guard prepared its signal equipment for structural reinforcement. (U.S Army Photo by Pfc. Alexander Helman) (Photo Credit: Courtesy) VIEW ORIGINAL

Soldiers specialized in several different skill sets are working together to prepare for the oncoming storm. The 146th Expeditionary Signal Battalion (ESB) is ensuring its satellite equipment is ready to go in the event of loss of communication infrastructure. The Transportable Tactical Command Communications (T2C2) program deploys Ground Antenna Transmit and Receive (GATR) balls that can provide emergency communication capabilities to civilians and first responders.

“We are preparing for Hurricane Ian by giving our soldiers training on the T2C2 ‘GATR’ devices,” said Sgt. Justin Love, a Satellite Communication Systems Operator-Maintainer with the 146th ESB. “This training will allow us to support Emergency Operation Centers when services are needed, such as phone service and internet.”

If a major Florida city experiences a severe loss of communication, it could cripple first responder efforts and leave civilians in the dark. The 146th ESB stands ready to combat this contingency. As Hurricane Ian made landfall, 2,000 citizens were already without power, demonstrating the severity of this storm. The Florida National Guard takes no chances in such circumstances, providing essential tools and services to local and state relief efforts in times of hardship.

“It’s always important to train,” said Sgt. Kasey Jones, a Multichannel Transmission Systems Operator-Maintainer with the 146th ESB. "It's best to stay ready, not get ready."

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