Approximately 20 soldiers and airmen from the Mississippi National Guard (MSNG) are expected to deploy for emergency response missions in Florida following Governor Tate Reeves’ approval of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC).
Florida’s request for assistance came as the state is anticipating heavy damage from the Category 4 storm Hurricane Ian and will be in need of vital emergency relief in the hurricane’s aftermath.
“Florida has consistently been there for us in our time of need and I approved this deployment in order to assist in their emergency response efforts,” said Reeves.
Those set to deploy in Florida are the Mississippi National Guard Soldiers from Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 111th Aviation Regiment based in Meridian, and Airmen of the 255th Air Control Squadron in Gulfport.
Bravo Company 1-111th will utilize two CH-47 Chinook helicopters to provide airlift support of critical commodities across Florida. The 255th ACS will provide technical communication support to its state and local Emergency Services and military organizations within Florida.
The exact time and location of the deployment of the MSNG units will be dependent upon acceptable weather conditions and the direction of the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
