National Guard Now Better Equipped for Hurricanes, General Says

Air Force Maj. Gen. William Etter, director of domestic operations for the National Guard Bureau, briefs reporters on the National Guard's preparations for Tropical Storm Gustav, Aug. 29, 2008, at the Federal Emergency Managment Agency in Washington, D.C. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Jon Soucy   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

Air Force Maj. Gen. William Etter cited “strong interest” and support from Congress and the Defense Department for the increase in the National Guard’s equipment levels.

In addition to equipment, the general said, about 65,000 National Guard troops are available in the Gulf Coast states as Tropical Storm Gustav approaches for an expected landfall as a Category 3 hurricane Sept. 2. About 400,000 Guard members are available throughout the country, an increase of 10 percent from three years ago.

Along with the personnel and equipment, Etter added, a “great relationship” with U.S. Northern Command and other federal partners “will strengthen our response.”

“Our response will be rapid and effective,” he said.

Etter also strongly encouraged residents in areas that potentially could be affected to follow instructions given by local emergency management officials.

As of today, governors in three states have activated National Guard personnel to respond to Tropical Storm Gustav, including 3,400 in Louisiana, up to 5,000 in Texas, and 3,000 in Alabama.

The Florida National Guard has released most of the 500 troops it activated for Tropical Storm Fay, but a core team will continue to monitor Gustav, as well as Tropical Storm Hanna, over the weekend.

(Air Force Lt. Col. Ellen Krenke serves at the National Guard Bureau.)