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| September 11, 2008 |
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Oregon National Guard to send more troops for possible hurricane relief
Today Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski authorized the deployment of 12 members of the Oregon Air National Guard's 125th Special Tactics Squadron from the Portland Air National Guard Base to Houston, Texas
The Airmen are scheduled to depart in a C-17 Globemaster at approximately 5:00 p.m.
The 125th STS comprises special tactics officers, combat controllers, special operations weathermen and other unique mission support personnel.
The unit will take zodiac boats, ATVs as well as additional specialized equipment to assist with rescue operations and humanitarian aid if needed.
In December 2007, the 125th rescued hundreds of citizens stranded during the floods in Vernonia.
The Oregon Guard sent two CH-47 Chinook helicopters and crews last week, and they will be stationed in San Angelo, Texas to be on standby if needed.
The Oregon National Guard is mobilizing under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, a mutual aid agreement between the fifty states and territories.
"Hurricane Ike is bearing down on Texas, and we have an opportunity to provide critical, potentially life-saving support," said Governor Kulongoski. "We saw the immense devastation caused by hurricane Katrina, and by sending support to Texas before the storm we have a better chance of lessening the human cost of this looming disaster."
Emergency response has evolved over decades, with many changes taking place in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the terror attacks of 9-11. The EMAC is one of those changes which empowers the states to share resources when possible.
"This shows the level of support and preparedness that the states are using to assist each other in an emergency," said Capt. Stephen Bomar, deputy public affairs officer for the Oregon Military Department.
Media is invited to Portland Air National Guard base at 2:45. The Globemaster is scheduled to arrive at 3:00.
Contact Info:
Capt. Stephen Bomar
cell 503-990-9508
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