ARLINGTON, Va. – National Guard Soldiers and Airmen in Delaware and Soldiers in the nation’s capital assisted during the winter storm that dumped several inches of snow Tuesday in East Coast locations.
According to National Guard Bureau numbers, D.C. had about 165 Soldiers and Delaware had about 115 personnel on duty.
The Delaware National Guard, in a news release, said it had prepositioned personnel and vehicles in an effort to support the state throughout the winter storm.
Delaware Gov. Jack Markell declared a state of emergency on Jan. 21.
“We are working with DEMA and ready to support the state as needed,” said Maj. Gen. Frank Vavala, adjutant general, Delaware National Guard. “Support to the state is what makes the National Guard unique from any other service component. It is a part of our heritage for which we are extremely proud.”
Various National Guard task forces were on duty in northern and southern sectors of the state, the Delaware National Guard said.
The Delaware National Guard Joint Emergency Operations Center is manned around the clock, until the event is complete.
On the Delaware Air National Guard Base, teams from civil engineering, maintenance and operations are on duty, clearing taxiways and ramps to ensure the base can maintain the ability to launch and recover aircraft. Firefighters and security police serve 24-7.
The District of Columbia National Guard is experienced in natural disaster management assistance. During the “snowpocolypse” storm of 2010, it provided emergency transportation services for critical personnel. During hurricane Sandy and the derecho storms, the District of Columbia National Guard provided traffic control support.
“We are ready for the worst and hoping for the best.” said Col. Aaron Dean, operations officer for the District of Columbia National Guard. “These guys are trained, equipped and ready.”
Contributing: 1st. Lt. Miranda Summers Lowe of the D.C. National Guard