VNG shifting resources to Southwest Virginia
The Virginia National Guard alerted approximately 30 Soldiers Feb. 12, 2025, to mobilize in the Southwest Virginia area to provide chain saw teams for clearing debris from roads and heavy-duty tactical vehicles for transport through heavy snow or high water. Two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters equipped with rescue hoist capabilities have also been alerted to deploy.
A team of about 15 Soldiers already staged in the Southwest Virginia area will remain in place to support potential response operations. The 45 Soldiers providing debris reduction and transportation capabilities and the Black Hawk are expected to be in place by end of the day Feb. 13.
The VNG initially staged approximately 50 personnel in Warrenton, Bowling Green and Rocky Mount for snow response efforts Feb. 10 and those teams are standing down.
VNG UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crews and Chesterfield Fire & Emergency Medical Services rescue technicians form the Virginia Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team to provide rotary wing aviation hoist capabilities and aerial rescue evacuation. Four VNG Soldiers and three Chesterfield techs make up each HART crew.
A Virginia National Guard Soldier assigned to the 1033rd Engineer Company trains on chainsaws for possible severe weather response operations Feb. 12, 2025, in Cedar Bluff, Virginia.