HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. - The Massachusetts National Guard continues to assist local and state authorities following the Boston Marathon bombings that left three dead and more than 140 people injured.
However, civil support personnel from New York and Rhode Island have returned home.
As of early Wednesday, more than 780 troops were still on state active duty.
Earlier, more than 1,000 Guard members were on duty continuing to assist local, state and federal authorities and provide support to the City of Boston.
Current missions include MBTA (transit) security and perimeter security to the main area affected by the explosions.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and families that have been affected by this tragedy,” said Maj. Gen. L. Scott Rice, the state adjutant general. “The National Guard can be relied upon for our diverse emergency response and rapid deployment capabilities during times of need in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.” said Rice.
The missions the National Guard supports are requested by local and state civilian authorities and coordinated through the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency [MEMA].
The Massachusetts National Guard’s 79th Troop Command is providing command and control of all Soldiers and Airmen activated for this mission. As of Wednesday, aviation personnel stood down.