NEW ORLEANS – The Louisiana National Guard, as directed by Gov. John Bel Edwards, has activated over 2,260 Soldiers and Airmen so far, not to include full-time Guard members, ahead of Tropical Storm Barry’s landfall, July 12.
“We continue to lean forward and stage our Guardsmen and resources in those areas where they can best respond as needed,” said Maj. Gen. Glenn H. Curtis, adjutant general of the LANG. It is so imperative that we stay close to our parish officials, and our state and federal partners.”
In addition to high-water vehicles and boats staged in over 20 communities across the state in possible affected areas, the LANG has helicopters ready to support search and rescue, evacuation and recon missions as needed.
The LANG is also moving and staging additional assets to the New Orleans, North Shore, and Acadiana areas in order to provide a quick response as needed.
Guard members will be conducting security missions throughout the state, to include: Alexandria’s mega-shelter, and along many of the southern parishes.
The LANG’s Engineer Work Teams (EWT) have emplaced an approximately 6,000 linear ft. sandbag wall in Myrtle Grove in Plaquemines Parish, as well as a 1,000 linear ft. sandbag wall in St. Bernard Parish. Additionally, seven EWTs have been positioned in 6 potentially affected parishes.
Large quantities of drinking water, blankets and sandbags have been moved, delivered or positioned by the LANG to areas for distribution following the storm.
To help better assist coordination efforts at the local level, the LANG has liaison officer teams in East Baton Rouge, Iberia, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Helena, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Vermillion, and Washington Parishes.