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Louisiana National Guard Soldiers conduct crowd management operations in the French Quarter during peak Mardi Gras security operations in New Orleans, Feb. 17, 2026. More than 350 Guardsmen were activated in support of Operation NOLA Safe, assisting law enforcement partners with public safety efforts throughout the French Quarter Enhanced Security Zone during the Carnival season.
(Photo Credit: Sgt. Danny Hough)VIEW ORIGINAL2 / 5Show Caption +Hide Caption –
A Louisiana National Guard Soldier uses a megaphone to communicate with civilians while supporting access control operations in the French Quarter during peak Mardi Gras security operations in New Orleans, Feb. 16, 2026. More than 350 Guardsmen were activated in support of Operation NOLA Safe, assisting law enforcement partners with public safety efforts throughout the Carnival season.
(Photo Credit: Capt. Peter Drasutis)VIEW ORIGINAL3 / 5Show Caption +Hide Caption –
Maj. Gen. Thomas Friloux, adjutant general of Louisiana, and Command Sgt. Maj. Clifford Ockman, command senior enlisted leader of the Louisiana National Guard, join city officials, federal partners and leaders from state agencies during the annual ceremonial walk down Bourbon Street marking the official close of Carnival Season in New Orleans, Feb. 18, 2026. Louisiana National Guard Soldiers supported law enforcement partners throughout peak Mardi Gras security operations as part of Operation NOLA Safe.
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A Louisiana National Guard Soldier inspects a civilian’s bag while supporting access control operations in the French Quarter during peak Mardi Gras security operations in New Orleans, Feb. 16, 2026. More than 350 Guardsmen were activated in support of Operation NOLA Safe, assisting law enforcement partners with public safety efforts throughout the Carnival season.
(Photo Credit: Sgt. Danny Hough)VIEW ORIGINAL5 / 5Show Caption +Hide Caption –
Louisiana National Guard Soldiers assist emergency medical personnel while supporting law enforcement partners during peak Mardi Gras security operations in New Orleans, Feb. 16, 2026. Guardsmen provided support to first responders during multiple emergency assistance requests throughout the Carnival season, in coordination with federal, state, and local agencies.
(Photo Credit: Sgt. Danny Hough)VIEW ORIGINAL
NEW ORLEANS – – Louisiana National Guard Soldiers supported federal, state and local law enforcement partners during peak Mardi Gras operations in the French Quarter, assisting with crowd management, emergency response and public safety efforts within the French Quarter Enhanced Security Zone.
More than 350 Guardsmen have been activated since January in support of Operation NOLA Safe, a coordinated, multiagency effort targeting organized crime and violent activity across the greater New Orleans region. Assigned to Task Force Defender, Soldiers conducted roving patrols, manned checkpoints and maintained a visible presence throughout the 8th District alongside Louisiana State Police and other partner agencies.
“We are proud to serve our country, our state and the City of New Orleans,” said Maj. Gen. Thomas Friloux, adjutant general of Louisiana, during a press briefing Feb. 17. “Our Soldiers remain committed to supporting our law enforcement partners and helping ensure a safe and enjoyable Mardi Gras for residents and visitors alike.”
During peak Mardi Gras operations, Louisiana National Guard Soldiers supported continuous 24-hour security efforts while working 12-hour shifts throughout the French Quarter Enhanced Security Zone. Guardsmen assisted law enforcement partners by staffing access control points, conducting roving patrols, maintaining a quick reaction force, and providing support to first responders during multiple emergency assistance requests throughout the weekend.
During the final hour of Feb. 17, Friloux and Command Sgt. Maj. Clifford Ockman, command senior enlisted leader of the Louisiana National Guard, joined city officials, federal partners and state agency leaders for the annual ceremonial walk down Bourbon Street. The coordinated clearing of the corridor marked the official close of Carnival season and the successful execution of a unified public safety mission.
Louisiana National Guard personnel will remain postured to support law enforcement partners through Feb. 28 as Operation NOLA Safe continues.
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