VNG gearing up for Milton, winding down Helene support
The Virginia National Guard is gearing up Oct. 9, 2024, to support Florida as they prepare for the expected impacts of Hurricane Milton while it winds down Hurricane Helene support in Virginia. The VNG already sent a helicopter to Florida and is mustering approximately 220 Soldiers and Airmen to provide engineer, transportation and general support capabilities.
The VNG also has approximately 10 Soldiers continuing a water pipeline damage assessment mission in the Abingdon, Virginia, area. As many as 40 Soldiers were on duty in the area providing high mobility transport, debris reduction with chain saws and food and water distribution.
The VNG is supporting Florida with capabilities requested through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact.
A VNG Black Hawk helicopter crew and members of the Chesterfield County Fire and Emergency Medical Services Scuba Rescue Team deployed Oct. 8 from Sandston and have safely arrived in Florida to provide rescue hoist capabilities. The VNG Black Hawk crews and Chesterfield first responders form the Virginia Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team.
A Virginia National Guard Soldier assigned to the Cedar Bluff-based 1033rd Engineer Company, 276th Engineer Battalion, 329th Regional Support Group assists with food
and water distribution Oct. 6, 2024, in Damascus, Virginia