Governor Walz Highlights Life-Saving Work of Minnesota National Guard in Response to Devastating Hurricane Season
[ST. PAUL, MN] – Today, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is highlighting the life-saving work of the Minnesota National Guard and emergency responders who are providing emergency assistance to North Carolina and South Carolina in the wake of Hurricane Helene and Florida ahead of Hurricane Milton. Governor Walz has issued two executive orders directing the Minnesota National Guard to provide immediate emergency assistance. The state is constantly monitoring the need for additional support.
“Minnesota will provide every resource we can to support communities across the south that have been devastated by Hurricane Helene and are preparing for Hurricane Milton,” said Governor Walz. “In this time of crisis, Minnesota’s citizen soldiers and first responders have demonstrated unyielding dedication. Their efforts are making a critical difference, helping impacted areas with everything from debris removal to moving food and medical supplies.”
Last week, Governor Walz signed Emergency Executive Order 24-10 authorizing the Minnesota National Guard to provide emergency assistance to North Carolina in the wake of Hurricane Helene following a request from the Governor of North Carolina under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact. Eleven soldiers and two Chinook helicopters from the Minnesota National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 171st Aviation Regiment, continue to support the mission in North Carolina. Over the last two days, they have supported seven missions transporting 30,600 pounds of cargo, including water, food, medicine, cold weather gear, tools, and other relief items.
On Monday, Governor Walz signed Emergency Executive Order 24-12 authorizing the Minnesota National Guard to provide emergency assistance to Florida ahead of Hurricane Milton. Thirteen airmen from the Minnesota National Guard’s 148th Fighter Wing are en route to Florida and expected to arrive tomorrow. The Minnesota National Guard is working with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Homeland Security and Emergency Management division to determine mission requirements.
The Minnesota National Guard, St. Louis County Mobile Command Post, and the Minnesota All Hazard Incident Management Team are also on site in North Carolina and South Carolina assisting with recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Helene. The St. Louis County Emergency Mobile Command Post is deployed to Mitchell County, NC, to serve as the county’s mobile command post. The mobile command post is the county’s emergency operations center, coordinating response and recovery efforts. The MN-1 All Hazards Incident Management Team, based out of Anoka County, is currently working in Aiken County, SC, assisting with damage assessments and debris removal.
