FARMINGDALE, N.Y. - New York Gov. Kathy Hochul thanked National Guard Soldiers and Airmen Sept. 14 for serving as a standby force in case Hurricane Lee turned west and hit Long Island.
On Sept. 12, Hochul directed the New York National Guard to mobilize 50 personnel to assist Long Island local governments in case Lee hit the island.
The New York National Guard mobilized 30 Soldiers and 20 Airmen with 12 Humvees and high-axle trucks in response.
“Out of an abundance of caution, I have deployed the National Guard and directed state agencies to prepare emergency response assets and be ready to respond to local requests for assistance,“ the governor said.
The troops reported to the Farmingdale Armed Forces Reserve Center, which hosts Army National Guard units, and to F.S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach on the eastern end of Long Island.
During Hochul’s visit to the Reserve Center, she shook hands with Guardsmen, thanking each individual for their dedication and service.
Air National Guard Senior Airman Gariel Quintana Calle, a 106th Medical Group medical technician, appreciated the governor’s visit.
“It really has been an eventful week of new experiences and learning the mission,” said Quintana Calle. “I’m just trying to be as helpful as best I can.”
Maj. Gen. Ray Shield, the adjutant general of New York, greeted the governor and briefed her on the mission.
“We need to be prepared and have our equipment set,” Shields said. “If the state does require us, we are ready.”