An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | March 1, 2018

Virgin Islands, Michigan National Guards begin partnership

By Michigan National Guard

LANSING, Mich. - Following devastation from back-to-back hurricanes, the Virgin Islands National Guard and the Michigan National Guard have developed a partnership to support recovery of the Virgin Islands capability for future humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

With support of the National Guard Bureau in Washington, D.C., the two states will conduct exchanges and training support operations to maximize the Virgin Island's ability to support its residents if another disaster strikes. As a state not impacted by hurricanes, Michigan National Guard forces and capabilities are available and will be ready to provide response packages and other support to the Virgin Islands as they confront the challenges of future hurricane effects on their territory.

"This is a great opportunity to help our fellow Soldiers and Airmen in the Virgin Islands while learning from their hard-won lessons confronting two major hurricanes in rapid succession. As we help them, we will have the opportunity to validate our own plans and capabilities to support the citizens of Michigan should we be faced with similar challenges. It is a win-win situation that strengthens the National Guard as a whole," said Maj. Gen. Gregory Vadnais, the adjutant general of Michigan.

"While the Virgin Islands participated in Vigilant Guard and prepared for a catastrophic event, we could not have imagined responding to two category 5 hurricanes within twelve days. We were overwhelmed and this partnership provides some assurances that we can respond to our community's immediate needs. The training opportunities derived by this partnership are invaluable," said Brig. Gen. Deborah Howell, the adjutant general of the Virgin Islands.

This partnership is another example of state National Guard forces supporting each other in the face of disaster as seen in Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico following Hurricane Harvey and Irma last year. The Michigan National Guard will be the primary responder to support the Virgin Islands during hurricanes in the future.

 

 

Related Articles
A U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to the 146th Airlift Wing marshals a C-130H Hercules at the Combat Readiness and Training Center, Gulfport, Mississippi, Feb. 5, 2025. Exercise Sentry South-Southern Strike is a joint military training focusing on contingency response operations, agile combat employment, aeromedical evacuation, maritime training, specialized fueling operations and strategic airlift and airdrops.
Air Guard Conducts Sentry South-Southern Strike Exercise
By Senior Airman Shardae McAfee, | Feb. 7, 2025
GULFPORT, Miss. – Approximately 500 service members from the Active, Guard and Reserve components of the U.S. military participated in exercise Sentry South-Southern Strike 2025 at the Gulfport Combat Readiness Training...

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Jack A. James Jr., right, the commander of the New York National Guard’s 42nd Infantry Division, speaks with Swedish Army soldiers during the division’s Warfighter 25-3 exercise at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa., Jan. 31, 2025. The Swedish soldiers’ participation with the New York Army National Guardsmen during Warfighter Exercise 25-3 marks their second visit with the 42nd Infantry Division and their first experience working with the United States in a division-level warfighter exercise.
Swedish Soldiers Train with 42nd Infantry Division Partners
By Sgt. Grace Nechanicky, | Feb. 7, 2025
FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. – Four Swedish army service members spent time with the 42nd Infantry Division learning about large-scale combat operations during a warfighting exercise from Jan. 24 to Feb. 8.The Swedish soldiers’...

Sgt. 1st Class Kenneth Day retrieves simulated blood supplies delivered by a blueflite drone while Sgt. Benjamin Keikkala provides security during a field training exercise at Camp Rilea, Oregon, Jan. 30, 2025. The innovative drone delivery system demonstrated rapid resupply capabilities for combat medics in tactical environments.
Oregon Guard Combat Medics Test Drone Delivery of Supplies
By Maj. Wayne Clyne, | Feb. 6, 2025
WARRENTON, Ore. - Combat medics with the Oregon National Guard are adapting their battlefield medicine skills for large-scale combat operations through innovative training, including drone-delivered medical supplies at Camp...