Vice Adm. John Mustin

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Guard Continues Domestic, Global Missions in a Busy 2022
December 21, 2022 — ARLINGTON, Va. - The National Guard’s footprint on domestic and international events continued in... MORE

Spc. Megan Koszarek, an infantryman with the Alaska Army National Guard’s Avalanche Company, 1st Battalion, 297th Infantry Regiment, conducts a security sweep during a training exercise near Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Dec. 3, 2022. The exercise's aim was to enhance the unit’s combat readiness and evaluate proficiency in an arctic environment.

South Carolina Guard’s 169th Fighter Wing is Mission Ready
October 28, 2022 — WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. – From exercising air power in South America to conducting hurricane evacuations... MORE

Colombian Air Force KFIRs and the U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons from the South Carolina Air National Guard, 157th Fighter Squadron, fly in formation during Relampago VII, an exercise in Barranquilla, Colombia, Aug. 30, 2022. South Carolina is Colombia’s partner in the State Partnership Program.

New York Army Guard Aviators Complete Hurricane Mission
October 11, 2022 — ROCHESTER, N.Y. – New York Army National Guard Soldiers completed their Florida mission helping... MORE

Civilian search and rescue personnel on a CH-47F Chinook helicopter operated by New York Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to B Company, 3rd Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment, head to a mission on Sanibel Island, Florida, Oct. 2, 2022. At the direction of Gov. Kathy Hochul, the New York National Guard deployed two Chinook helicopters and 11 Soldiers to help the Florida National Guard respond to the destruction caused by Hurricane Ian.

Florida Guard’s RED HORSE Squadron Clears Roads
October 5, 2022 — PINE ISLAND, Fla. – The Florida Air National Guard’s 202nd Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy... MORE

Members of the 202nd Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers (RED HORSE) Squadron, Florida Air National Guard, clear roads of Hurricane Ian debris in Fort Myers Beach, Florida, Oct. 1, 2022. The 202nd RED HORSE Squadron, stationed at Camp Blanding, Florida, is a specialized, highly mobile civil engineering team of Florida Air National Guard members.

Virginia National Guard Prepared for Possible Severe Weather
October 3, 2022 — RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia National Guard staged Soldiers and trucks in the Eastern Shore and... MORE

The Virginia National Guard staged eight Soldiers and four tactical trucks capable of high water transportation on the Eastern Shore of Virginia and 12 Soldiers and six trucks at readiness centers in the Hampton Roads area Oct. 3. The Guard was prepared to respond to potential severe weather if needed.

Virginia National Guard Prepared for Hurricane Response
September 30, 2022 — RICHMOND, Va. - The Virginia National Guard staged about 60 Soldiers and Airmen across the... MORE

Virginia National Guard Soldiers prepare for possible severe weather from Hurricane Ian Sept. 30, 2022, in Powhatan, Virginia. Soldiers assigned to the 180th Engineer Company, 276th Engineer Battalion, 329th Regional Support Group, were prepared to provide high mobility transport and clear debris if needed.

Louisiana Guard Joins Hurricane Ian Response in Florida
September 30, 2022 — PINEVILLE, La. – The Louisiana National Guard is supporting the response to Hurricane Ian in Florida... MORE

Nearly 60 Louisiana National Guardsmen assigned to the 1087th Transportation Company, 165th Combat Sustainment and Support Brigade, 139th Regional Support Group, prepare tactical vehicles to assist emergency operations in Florida after Hurricane Ian, Slidell, Louisiana, Sept. 29, 2022.

Thousands of Guardsmen Supporting Hurricane Ian Response
September 29, 2022 — ARLINGTON, Va. – More than 5,000 National Guardsmen from multiple states are positioned across... MORE

U.S. Army Soldiers with the Florida National Guard's Chemical, Biological, Radiological/Nuclear, and Explosive - Enhanced Response Force Package load supplies as part of their response to Hurricane Ian, Sarasota, Fla., Sept. 29, 2022. Soldiers and Airmen were joined by emergency responders from other states as they mobilized to support the local community.

National Guard Staged for Florida Hurricane Response
September 28, 2022 — ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – Some 5,000 Florida National Guard troops were ready Wednesday to help... MORE

Florida National Guard Army Pfc. Kenneth Bonn, a combat engineer with the 753rd Engineering Brigade, inspects a search and rescue vessel during Hurricane Ian state activation, Camp Blanding Joint Training Center, Fla., Sept. 27, 2022. Bonn is part of the Florida National Guard's Chemical, Biological, Radiological/Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) - Enhanced Response Force Package (FL-CERFP).

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Video by Eric Davis

Vice Adm. John Mustin's Summer 2024 Safety Message

Commander, Navy Reserve Force

Aug. 13, 2024 | 2:50

Greetings Shipmates, I’m Vice Admiral John Mustin, Chief of Naval Reserve and Commander, Navy Reserve Force. As we steam through the summer season, I want to express my gratitude to you, our Navy Reserve sailors, and each of your families for the continued support to our great nation because of your hard work on the deck plates, airfields, the waterfront and headquarters buildings.

The Navy Reserve remains an elite warfighting force in an increasingly competitive world. I am proud to serve with each one of you. During the summer months, many of us take time to travel or head out for a family vacation. Regardless of how you choose your R&R. I want to remind you that your safety and the safety of your families is essential to the readiness of our force.

Unfortunately, last summer we lost 27 of our shipmates to off duty mishaps, and the majority of these mishaps were entirely preventable. Provided we properly assess risk, comply with the law, and apply best practices. This calculus applies whether you're on the road, at the beach, or just enjoying the great outdoors. By having a plan, using common sense, and avoiding high risk activities, we can all return safely with great family memories from the summer.

This is particularly important for those of you who operate a motorcycle, which places you at a much higher statistical risk of serious injury. Before you even think of getting on a motorcycle, ensure you've completed your motorcycle safety course. And remember to always wear your helmet, eye pro and protective clothing. If you're headed to the beach or even to a lake, stay alert and keep an eye on yourself and your families.

Driving under the influence, whether on the road or on the water, is illegal and unsafe. I ask that you take on an operational risk management mindset. Make sure your kids are wearing flotation devices when you're under way, and be aware of any fast moving currents if they put you at risk.

As always, stay hydrated with plenty of water. With record high temps across the nation. Limit your time in the sun. And don't forget sunscreen. Excessive heat, particularly dehydration, pose a significant risk which can lead to heat exhaustion or even heatstroke if you're not careful. Keep current on your weather app, and make sure you've got a plan to minimize your exposure to the sun and to any excessive heat out there.

So, in closing, follow common sense. Learn to recognize the signs of heat illness. Stay hydrated. Be smart about alcohol consumption. Dress for the summer and keep an eye on your kids and your pets. Always maintain focus on the safety of your friends and family. And exercise some caution out there. You are our Navy's most important asset, and we need you operating at 100%.

Make good decisions and most importantly, look out for one another. So enjoy what's left of the summer. Stay safe and please know how proud I am of you and how much I appreciate what you and your families do for our Navy every day.

Once again, stay safe and let's get busy.