Story by: LTC Deidre D. Smith

MERIDIAN, Miss. – Approximately 31 Soldiers and Airmen of the Mississippi National Guard (MSNG) deployed for emergency response missions in South Carolina and Florida, providing emergency support in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Gov. Tate Reeves approved an Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) request for MSNG assistance as the storm made its way through Florida and continued up through the Carolinas.

“We’ll do whatever we can to assist our fellow Americans in their time of need,” said Gov. Reeves in response to the EMAC request for MSNG hurricane response efforts. “Keep them in your prayers!”

Maj. Gen. Bobby M. Ginn Jr., the adjutant general of Mississippi, explained the diverse and dual-hatted mission of the Mississippi National Guard and how its service members are always ready, always there.

“Our Soldiers and Airmen are always training for emergency response missions along with their military readiness training,” he said. “The talented Soldiers and Airmen of the Mississippi National Guard stand ready to support our neighbors in Florida and South Carolina with lifesaving resources for transportation of vital search and rescue teams in Florida and debris removal missions in South Carolina.”

Members of the Mississippi Army National Guard’s 185th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade, headquartered in Jackson, deployed to Tallahassee, Florida, September 27, 2024, in preparation for relief and recovery operations in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The Mississippi National Guard aviation response team consisted of 18 soldiers, aviators, and crewmen, flying two UH-60 Blackhawks and one CH-47 Chinook helicopter to aide in the hurricane response missions. The team flew approximately 20 hours transporting search and rescue team members to the hardest hit areas in Tampa the day after the storm. MSNG aviators completed their mission in Florida and returned home safely, Saturday, Sept. 28. 2024.

Thirteen airmen from the Meridian-based Civil Engineer Squadron, 186th Air Refueling Wing, Mississippi Air National Guard, deployed Oct. 2, 2024, in support of Hurricane Helene relief efforts. Their mission is to remove debris in remote and hard-to-access locations clearing the way for first responders and emergency personnel to render aid to citizens impacted by this deadly storm.

“The Mississippi National Guard received a request for assistance from the South Carolina Emergency Management Division to assist with the clearing of debris from roadways throughout the northwestern area of the state and to assist in the restoration of essential services,” said Col. Jeremy Parker, director of military support for the Mississippi National Guard. “With less than 36 hours notification, the 186th Civil Engineering Squadron has rapidly mobilized and deployed a debris clearance team to Greenville, South Carolina, to assist emergency management officials.”

The 186th Civil Engineer Squadron specializes in utilities, infrastructure, horizontal and vertical construction projects, and have their own maintenance support for the team and equipment requested.

“Our part-time Airmen didn’t hesitate to volunteer along-side other Guardsmen for this important recovery effort,” said Col. Cynthia Smith, commander of the 186th Air Refueling Wing. “We are proud to serve both our community and country when called upon.”