Milford, Mass., - The Massachusetts National Guard has been mobilized by Gov. Deval Patrick and is preparing to assist the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency in general relief efforts across the Massachusetts coastline. Approximately 350 Soldiers and Airmen have been called to state active duty to provide support to civil authorities in response to Hurricane Earl.
Guardsmen will assemble throughout the day to provide transportation, security operations, clearance of lines of communication, debris clearance and sandbagging services in order to assist civilians and protect critical infrastructure.
"The men and women of the Massachusetts National Guard are eager to assist the citizens of the Commonwealth and have a great deal of disaster response experience." said Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard, Maj. Gen. Joseph C. Carter. "The Commonwealth has seen a number of major storms in the past two years and the National Guard can be relied upon for our diverse emergency response capabilities, strategically located units, and our rapid deployment during times of need."
The Massachusetts National Guard's 79th Troop Command, located in Rehoboth will coordinate the movement of Soldiers and equipment to respond to requests for assistance from MEMA.
As the region braces for potential flooding from Hurricane Earl, the Massachusetts National Guard stands ready to render assistance and is preparing and strategically placing equipment and forces for quick reaction in the event they are called upon for further assistance.