National Guard troops mobilized for Sandy response

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National Guard troops mobilized for Sandy response
By DAVID S. CLOUD
Tribune Washington Bureau
Published: October 31, 2012

WASHINGTON — More than 10,000 National Guard troops in 13 states have been mobilized to assist in the response to Hurricane Sandy, including more than 2,200 who are assisting with recovery efforts in New York, the Pentagon said Wednesday.

Eric Durr, a spokesman for New York’s Division of Military and Naval Affairs, said that 650 National Guard soldiers and air personnel are deployed on Long Island, while another 400 are in New York City, with another 400 on the way.

The Guard is using Humvees and trucks to clear debris, rescue stranded people and to help transport local officials in flooded areas.

“They’re taking cops and fireman around in Humvees helping to rescue people,” Durr said.

Thirty guard personnel are helping to lug fuel to the 13th floor of Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan, where the facility’s emergency generators are located, he said.

Ten Black Hawk helicopters and other aircraft are being used for aerial surveillance and are assisting local first responders, he said.
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