VNG stages for possible severe weather response
The Virginia National Guard staged Soldiers with tactical trucks capable of high water transportation Aug. 8, 2024, at VNG facilities in Lynchburg, Danville and Petersburg in order to support the response to impacts of Tropical Storm Debby.
The personnel were ready conduct missions Thursday morning and would link up with local emergency managers to provide assistance if needed. VNG troops will also had chain saw teams to conduct debris reduction operations, and helicopter rescue hoist capabilities were also on standby. With no requests from localities for assistance, VNG troops transitioned to routine operations late in the day Aug. 9 and all personnel were released Aug. 10.
“With just over 24 hours notice, our Virginia National Guard Soldiers answered the call to be ready to help their fellow Virginians,” said Brig. Gen. Todd Hubbard, VNG director of the joint staff. “It is really impressive how quickly and safely they responded, and we owe a special thanks to their families and employers for their critical support. I am incredibly proud of the great team effort that went into getting everyone in place and ready to go before the weather impacts begin.”
Virginia National Guard Soldiers prepare for possible severe weather response operations related to Tropical Storm Debby Aug. 8, 2024, in Danville, Virginia.