Missouri National Guard sends helicopters, crews to Virgin Islands to aid in hurricane response efforts

(From the U. S. Department of Defense)

By Air Force 1st Lt. Phil Fountain
Missouri National Guard

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., Sept. 25, 2017 — The Missouri Army National Guardhas sent helicopters and crews to the Virgin Islands to assist with hurricane response efforts.

Gov. Eric Greitens signed an executive order mobilizing National Guard forces to the islands, in accordance with the Emergency Management Assistance Compact.

The Missouri Army National Guard sent four UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and crews, consisting of about 30 soldiers. The supporting units are Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 106th Aviation Regiment, based at Fort Leonard Wood, and the 1st Battalion, 135th Aviation Regiment, based at Whiteman Air Force Base.

While mobilized, the units are prepared for a wide range of missions, including search and rescue, aerial reconnaissance and equipment and personnel transportation.

The mission is expected to last 30 days.

In addition to this Army National Guard activation, the Missouri Air National Guard's 139th Airlift Wing, based at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base in St. Joseph, has been providing C-130 Hercules tactical airlift for several weeks in support of hurricane response efforts in the Virgin Islands, and at locations in Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico.

(Members of the Missouri Army National Guard board a C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., before departing for the Virgin Islands in support of hurricane relief efforts, Sept. 24, 2017. Air Force photo by Airman Taylor Phifer)