CT National Guard Airmen Deployed To Texas To Help After Harvey

Connecticut has deployed a C-130H cargo plane and eight Airmen from the 103rd Airlift Wing of the Connecticut National Guard to help with response and recovery efforts in Texas after Hurricane Harvey.

The State of Connecticut has deployed a C-130H cargo plane and eight Airmen from the 103rd Airlift Wing of the Connecticut National Guard to help with relief efforts in Texas after Harvey.
Photo Credit: *State Of Connecticut*

Daily Voice

08/29/2017 4:10 a.m.

The unit, which departed from the Bradley Air National Guard Base in East Granby on Monday afternoon, includes C-130H pilots, crewmembers, loadmasters, and maintainers.

“We know how vital it is for local and state governments to work together and provide assistance during times of natural disasters or other emergencies,” Gov. Dannel Malloy said. “I thank our Connecticut Air National Guardsmen for taking on this mission to give Texas aid during this great time of need. The State of Connecticut stands ready to provide support in the ongoing response and recovery efforts.

"The growing emergence of extreme weather events has transformed the way we respond to emergencies and is a key reason why we must continue strengthening our infrastructure to withstand the types of catastrophic storms that we’ve experienced in recent years,” he said.

Less than two months ago, more than 200 members of the 103rd Airlift Wing returned from a deployment that saw the unit stationed at multiple locations throughout Southwest Asia, supporting Expeditionary Combat Support operations that included tactical airlift, maintenance, security, and logistics support.

“This mission will render assistance and bring critical supplies to the people of Texas – and remind them that Connecticut is with them and stands ready to help,” Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman said.

It is not known how long the team will be deployed, as heavy rain continued to fall in parts of Texas. Thousands of people have been rescued from floodwaters, and many more need help. The death toll as of late Monday was at 10.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all suffering from the effects of Hurricane Harvey,” said Major Gen. Thaddeus J. Martin, Adjutant General and Commander of the Connecticut National Guard. “Even on the heels of the unit’s first large-scale, overseas deployment, the 103rd Airlift Wing – and the entire Connecticut National Guard – stands ready to aid the men and women of this nation anytime, anywhere.”

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