Alabama National Guard supports Hurricane Irma operations in Alabama and Florida

MONTGOMERY, AL (09/10/2017) (readMedia)-- The Alabama National Guard is currently conducting defense support to civil authorities operations in support of the state's preparations for the effects of Hurricane Irma. Following Gov. Ivey's state of emergency declaration, elements of the National Guard were ordered to state active duty to assist the Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA). In addition, two CH-47 Chinook helicopters are being deployed to provide reinforcing National Guard Civil Support aviation capabilities to Joint Task Force-Florida in support of ongoing Hurricane Irma response operations as part of the Regional Aviation Task Force.

The Alabama Guard conducts these missions in response to tasking from the Alabama Emergency Management Agency. This is the Guard's state mission and Alabama Guardsmen are proudly supporting their fellow citizens. The Soldiers and Airmen responding to the storm will be on state active duty as long as the governor requests it and as long as the citizens need assistance. Guardsmen across the state stand ready, as always, to fulfill our state mission of providing assistance in time of need.