Illinois National Guard Communications team to support Hurricane Irma

PEORIA, IL (09/08/2017) (readMedia)-- As Hurricane Irma bears toward South Carolina, the Illinois National Guard is sending communications equipment and personnel to McEntire Joint National Guard base, Columbia, South Carolina, in preparation for Hurricane Irma Response. The 182nd Airlift Wing's Mobile Emergency Operations Center, or MEOC, will help provide local jurisdictions and other government stakeholders a modern quick response interoperable communications platform. "This equipment and these dedicated Airmen will ensure the mobile emergency operations center can be used to communicate with key response personnel across the affected area. This will help ensure the right resources are in the right place at the right time," said Maj. Gen. Richard J. Hayes, the Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard. "We are proud of our Airmen and commend their preparation. We are thankful for their service and for the support of their families and employers." In addition to the mobile hotspot Wi-Fi connection for first responders included in the MEOC, they can also use the video camera with recording capability for real time video teleconferencing. The MEOC and its four Airmen will stage at the 169th Fighter Wing at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, Columbia, South Carolina. For specifics questions regarding the MEOC please call the 182nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs Office at 309-633-5119 or 309-633-5100. For more information on the overall Illinois National Guard hurricane relief efforts or for high resolution photos, call 217-761-3569 or 217-720-9053.