CAMP DENALI, Alaska - The Alaska National Guard has pledged their support and is standing by to assist victims of the 7.0 earthquake that occurred in Haiti Jan. 12.
"We have submitted our capabilities to National Guard Bureau and are ready and reliable to assist if they need Alaska's support," said Brig. Gen. Thomas H. Katkus, the adjutant general of the Alaska National Guard.
"We've provided valuable assistance to disaster recovery efforts in the past and we are ready to put our skills and experience to use again in Haiti as needed."
Responding to a request from the States of Louisiana and Texas in September 2008, the Alaska Air National Guard's 176th Wing deployed two HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters and 26 airmen to support search-and-rescue efforts in support of Hurricanes Gustav, Hanna and Ike in the gulf coast region, flying 22 missions and saving 16 lives during their 16-day deployment.
Currently, several National Guard units located in Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York and Kansas are assisting in the recovery efforts in Haiti. As more assets are required, additional guard units to include Alaska National Guardsmen maybe called in to support the situation.
"As Alaskans we understand the tremendous destruction that natural disasters can have and so we'll be ready to provide assistance," said Katkus. "No matter what the task - airlift, search and rescue, medical support - we're always prepared for the call to assist others in need."