COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina National Guard Soldiers and Airmen from units across the state prepare to respond as needed Sept. 1 in support of the potential impact of Hurricane Dorian to the state.
“The South Carolina National Guard is prepared to mobilize in support of coastal evacuations and other missions that may be required of us in support of civil authorities,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Van McCarty, the adjutant general for South Carolina.
The South Carolina National Guard received the order to activate from South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster Aug. 31 and is ready to support the counties and first responders with requested resources for as long as needed before, during, and after the impact of Hurricane Dorian.
In the past, the South Carolina National Guard has responded to emergencies in the state and provided Defense Support to Civil Authorities (DSCA) during Hurricane Florence in 2018, Hurricane Matthew in 2016, and the 1,000-year flood in 2015, as well as others.
While the impact of the storm to South Carolina is still unknown, keeping those who activate in support of DSCA out of harm’s way is crucial to continued operations.
“Soldier and Airmen safety is paramount throughout these operations,” said McCarty.
The South Carolina National Guard is capable of supporting during this emergency in response to Hurricane Dorian with multiple assets to include evacuation assistance, traffic control point manning, supply and sandbag transportation, water purification, security support, critical infrastructure protection, high-water vehicle transportation, and evacuation, search and rescue, communication support, debris clearing, and more all in support of civilian partners.