Over 500 Louisiana National Guard soldiers have been mobilized to support Florida in anticipation of Hurricane Milton, which is expected to make landfall near Tampa Bay late this evening. Two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and eight Guardsmen are in staging areas near Tallahassee. Lt. Col. Noel Collins says these helicopters are pre-positioned for rapid aerial search and rescue.
“We have aviators who left yesterday to go help with search and rescue operations as soon as conditions allow.”
Additionally, 500 soldiers from the 225th Engineer Brigade will support recovery efforts, including 20 route clearance teams and six engineer work teams focused on debris removal and restoring essential infrastructure. Collins says a 60-Soldier Light Medium Truck Company will also assist…
“They will be able to assist with high-water vehicles. So that can be with search and rescue as well as the transportation and distribution of critical supplies.”
The Louisiana Guard is also on standby to aid in states affected by Hurricane Helene. Their response efforts have already contributed to significant operations across the Southeast, involving thousands of responders and the delivery of millions of pounds of aid. The Guard’s commitment to multi-state support highlights their readiness to provide essential assistance during hurricane recovery.
“We definitely appreciate the support we have received in the past from Florida and other states for Hurricane and other disaster events, and we’re anxious to provide in return.”
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