2,800 National Guard Soldiers Stand Ready to Rescue

NC National Guard has ‘historic’ response to Hurricane Florence
Fayetteville Observer
Drew Brooks
September 14, 2018

North Carolina National Guard troops are working alongside first responders as Hurricane Florence makes its way inland.

Officials said they know the worst is yet to come as the state prepares for more flooding and high winds.

Soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division prepare themselves and their equipment for the potential impacts of Hurricane Florence at Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield, Ga September 13. In addition to the Army's preparation happening on bases, Hunter Army Airfield has become a staging point for U.S. Coast Guard helicopters who mat be called on to assist in hurricane response efforts.

“We still have just over 2,800 National Guardsmen on state active duty,” said Lt. Col. Matt DeVivo, a spokesman for the NCNG.

That is the most troops ever activated ahead of a major storm.

“We’ve never had this many already ready to respond,” DeVivo said.
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