US Army North Begins Hurricane Milton Support Efforts | Article

SAN ANTONIO, Texas – At the request of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and in preparation for the expected landfall of Hurricane Milton in the state of Florida, U.S. Army North has mobilized active Title 10 troops and equipment to prepare for hurricane response assistance and recovery efforts.

A Defense Coordination Officer and a Defense Coordination Element were activated in support of FEMA Region IV. Additionally, on October 7, 2024, the U.S. Army North relocated personnel and equipment from the U.S. Army North Emergency Command Post to Fort Moore, Georgia, to be stationed in the region to support FEMA and all Florida requests for active-duty military support Service to assist Governor.

Prior to the storm's landfall, the U.S. Army North received mission orders for 30 high-wheel vehicles, helicopters for search and rescue operations, 100 active duty personnel to provide non-technical logistical support to FEMA's search and rescue teams, and medium helicopters to transport personnel and equipment and provide leadership, Control and maintenance of the armed forces of the Ministry of Defense.

“U.S. Army North has unique capabilities, including the ability to deploy to harsh environments at short notice to support communities and the American public when needed,” said Maj. Gen. Scott M. Sherman, U.S. Army North and Joint Force Land Component Command commander General. “Our priority is to be ready to assist and respond to alleviate suffering in affected areas as quickly as possible.”

U.S. Army North works with federal, state and local partners throughout the year to ensure plans, communications and interagency relationships are always ready to support leading federal agencies in delivering the right military-unique capabilities at the right time and provide it in the right place.

U.S. Army North serves as the Joint Force Land Component Command of U.S. Northern Command and is the Department of Defense's primary organization for coordinating defense support to civilian agencies to assist federal partners such as FEMA in responding to natural or man-made disasters.

Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall near the Tampa Bay area of ​​Florida as a Category 3 or 4 storm late in the evening of October 9, 2024. Strong winds, storm surges and severe flooding are expected across the region.

For more information or questions from the news media, contact the ARNORTH Public Affairs Office at 210-247-8852 or [email protected]. Photos and videos can be found on the official DVIDS page.