FARGO, N.D., - Gov. John Hoeven and Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, the adjutant general of the North Dakota National Guard, announced today that the North Dakota Air National Guard has been tasked to help with the Haiti relief effort currently under way.
"The 119th Happy Hooligans of the North Dakota Air National Guard have demonstrated time and again their preparedness, skill and willingness to assist those in need in the aftermath of a severe natural disaster like the Haitian earthquake," Hoeven said. "North Dakota stands ready to use all of the resources at our disposal to help the victims of this tragic and ongoing catastrophe."
About 11 Airmen have been activated with an estimated departure date later this week for a mobilization to last about four months.
"The North Dakota National Guard will respond whenever our nation, community or neighbors need us. We are honored to serve and help a nation in crisis," Sprynczynatyk said.
The team consists of Airmen from the 119th Wing Civil Engineer Squadron and has been tasked with a water purification mission. Their job specialties consist of plumbing, generator and electrical operations.
In addition, the 119th Wing is sending three reverse osmosis water purification units (ROWPU) with the Airmen.
At this time, no other squadrons within the 119th Wing have been tasked.
"It is no surprise that we have had a flood of Airmen coming forward to volunteer to help in Haiti. The Happy Hooligans are ready to answer the call and we will continue to respond in any way that we can," said Col. Ricky D. Gibney, 119th Wing commander.