ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. — Airmen from the 116th Air Control Wing, Georgia Air National Guard, deployed from Robins Air Force Base today to help distribute food and water to people affected by Hurricane Michael in Seminole County, Georgia.
The team of 11 Airmen are joining other members of the wing who are already working in Seminole County clearing roadways to allow access for first responders and utility companies to begin caring for victims affected by the storm.
“I think it’s important for us to be here to support the people who have been affected by the hurricane,” said 2nd Lt. Justice King, officer-in-charge of the operation. “A big reason many of us joined the Air National Guard is to help with humanitarian missions when unexpected events like this happen.”
The 116th Air Control Wing is highly trained and experienced in accomplishing these types of missions. In 2005, Airmen from the wing deployed in support of Hurricane Katrina relief efforts and more recently in support of Hurricane Irma relief in September 2017 and Hurricane Matthew relief in October 2016.
“Our Airmen train consistently for these types of situations. This is part of what we do and what the Georgia Air National Guard is all about, to help the citizens of Georgia when something like this occurs,” said Col. Jonathan Cox, commander of the 116th Mission Support Group. “Citizens in our state are in need and we have the capabilities to help relieve some of that distress.”
The 116th Air Control Wing’s primary missions include the E-8C Joint STARS and domestic operations including route clearance, security, communications, and medical response during domestic emergencies like Hurricane Michael.