Delaware National Guard Deployed to Assist in Florida’s Hurricane Response
October 9, 2024
WILMINGTON, Del. — Governor John Carney announced on Wednesday, October 9, the deployment of 100 members of the Delaware National Guard, along with over 40 vehicles, to support Florida’s emergency response efforts as Hurricane Milton approaches. The storm, a rapidly intensifying hurricane, is projected to strike Florida’s west coast by the evening of October 9 as a catastrophic Category 4 or 5 hurricane, bringing with it dangerous storm surges, hurricane-force winds, and severe flooding.
A C-5 Galaxy aircraft seen on the tarmac at Dover Air Force Base Friday, Feb. 02, 2024, in Dover, DE. Photo By Saquan Stimpson
The Delaware National Guard’s activation comes through the Delaware Emergency Management Agency under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), a national framework enabling states to assist one another during times of disaster. The eight-day mission will involve supporting Florida’s National Guard in general operations, including distributing essential supplies, clearing roads, and flood response efforts.
File Photo: Governor John Carney signed the State of Delaware’s operating budget and capital budget for Fiscal Year 2022 Wednesday, June 30, 2021, at Legislative Hall in Dover, DE. Photo By Saquan Stimpson
“This is another example of the Delaware National Guard stepping up to support those in need, not only here at home but around the country,” Governor Carney said in a statement. He thanked Delaware’s service members for their commitment and acknowledged the challenging work ahead, underscoring the state’s tradition of service during natural disasters.
This marks another chapter in Delaware’s history of providing disaster relief across the nation. In 2017, the Delaware National Guard deployed personnel to support recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, which impacted Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Guard’s contributions to these missions have been pivotal in providing timely and necessary aid to communities in crisis.
File Photo: Delaware Emergency Management, Director AJ SCHALL answers questions regarding Delaware’s response to coronavirus disease during a press briefing in the auditorium Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020, at Carvel State Office building in Wilmington, DE. Photo By Saquan Stimpson
Major General Michael Berry, Adjutant General of the Delaware National Guard, emphasized the Guard’s readiness and dedication. “Delaware’s Citizen Soldiers and Airmen exemplify the Guard’s motto—‘Always Ready, Always There,’” Berry said, noting the preparation and training that ensure they are capable of responding to such disasters. He added that while Delawareans hope disasters of this scale don’t occur, they can rest assured knowing that their Guard members are well-equipped to assist when needed.
A.J. Schall, Director of the Delaware Emergency Management Agency, echoed the governor’s sentiments, highlighting Delaware’s consistent role in aiding other states during emergencies. He also pointed to recent contributions, such as sending a swift-water rescue team to North Carolina following Hurricane Helene, and an ongoing mission in South Carolina.
This mobilization underscores the critical role that state cooperation plays in disaster response, as communities across the country face the increasing threat of extreme weather events.