INDIANAPOLIS — Gov. Eric Holcomb has activated the Indiana National Guard to help with hurricane relief efforts in Florida.
The Indiana National Guard will help with route clearance, shelter management, supply distribution, and command and control.
“Whether we’re aiding North Carolina recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene, or assisting Floridians in the wake of Hurricane Milton, time and time again, when devastation strikes, Hoosiers of all backgrounds answer the call in helping those in desperate need," Holcomb said. "Indiana’s finest who serve in the National Guard, chief among them, will continue to provide critical help on the ground and air while we back here at home mourn the great loss our neighbors down south are experiencing."
Around 400 Indiana National Guard soldiers from units based in Lawrence, Gary, Terre Haute and New Albany will mobilize Wednesday, Oct. 9 and be in Florida this week to help with recovery efforts.
“Hoosier Guardsmen answer the call to uniquely serve our nation and our neighbors, and moments like this are precisely why the Indiana National Guard trains and prepares to ensure we’re ready to mobilize when the need arises,” said Maj. General Dale Lyles, the Indiana adjutant general.
Aside from Hurricane Milton, the Indiana National Guard has recently helped with Hurricane Helene and Hurricanes Harvey and Irma in 2017, along with state emergencies.
On Thursday, 13News visited the Joint Operations Center, the "brains" of the Indiana National Guard, where they coordinate those who will help first responders on the ground in Florida.
That also includes Indiana Task Force 1. They shared an update on social media Thursday, reporting they had rolled out of staging at 3 a.m. to move toward Tampa. They will join other federal and state urban search and rescue teams who are also moving into the area.
INTF1 has already been deployed for more than two weeks.
The National Guard said they'll be on the ground as long as they're needed. Lt. Col. Amy Hoover said they are working closely with crews in Florida and Homeland Security. to monitor the conditions down south.
"We are always communicating to adjust the needs and where in Florida they are being sent," Hoover said.