Arkansas
Arkansas National Guard deploys to Texas for flood rescue efforts
Col. Nicholas “Matrix” Ihde talks about the training at Ebbing ANGB
Col. Nicholas “Matrix” Ihde, commander of the 85th Fighter Group, talks about the role of training pilots from Poland, Singapore, Finland, Germany, the Czech Republic, Greece, and Switzerland at Ebbing ANGB in Fort Smith, Ark.
- Twenty-two Arkansas National Guard soldiers and four UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters have been deployed to Texas to assist with flood search and rescue efforts.
- Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders authorized the deployment, which will last until at least July 12.
- The deployment includes pilots, crew chiefs, maintenance personnel, and a helicopter crew equipped for medical evacuations.
- The assistance was requested through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC).
Twenty-two Arkansas National Guard soldiers have been deployed to Texas to assist with search and rescue efforts following severe flooding in the Austin area.
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders authorized the deployment on July 7, with the Guardsmen departing the morning of July 8 aboard four UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. The group includes pilots, crew chiefs, and six maintenance personnel. Two additional soldiers will remain in Arkansas to serve as liaison officers, providing direct support to the deployed unit as needed.
The initial deployment runs through July 12, but orders may be extended depending on mission requirements.
“Our hearts go out to those affected in Texas,” said Brig. Gen. Chad Bridges, Arkansas’ adjutant general. “Under Governor Sanders’ leadership and direction, we’re eager to assist our brothers and sisters in the Texas National Guard as they continue to respond and recover from the Texas flooding.”
The assistance was requested through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), a mutual aid agreement among states that facilitates assistance during emergencies.
One helicopter crew has been designated for medical evacuation and is equipped with forward-looking infrared and hoist capabilities. The remaining three crews will provide hoist support, visual search operations, passenger transport, and cargo movement.
The Arkansas National Guard frequently provides support roles during emergencies to help civil authorities under the direction of the Governor.