South Carolina National Guard heads to Florida as Debby looms

VARNVILLE, S.C. - The South Carolina National Guard is responding to the Florida Department of Emergency Management's request for assistance through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact in anticipation of a Tropical Storm Debby.

"The South Carolina National Guard is trained and ready to assist the citizens of the state of Florida," said Maj. Gen. R. Van McCarty, the adjutant general of South Carolina. "The 1050th Transportation Battalion has the ability to mobilize for support on short notice and will be providing resources as needed."

Approximately 70 Guardsmen and 30 high-water vehicles, with additional support and personnel, have moved into Florida, assisting local and state officials with various recovery efforts. The high-water vehicles the South Carolina National Guard is providing can be used in flooded areas to access roads cut off to other vehicles and increase access to inaccessible areas other than by boats. High-water vehicles are invaluable to emergency crews.

Tropical Storm Debby is forecast to make landfall in the Florida Panhandle as a Category 1 hurricane and dump more than 12 inches of rain. Flooding and storm surges in coastal areas are expected.

"The Soldiers of the 1050th Transportation Battalion are ready to support this Nation and are excited to be afforded the opportunity to support the citizens of Florida during this time of need," said U.S. Army Col. Denton Smith, commander, 59th Troop Command, South Carolina National Guard.

The South Carolina National Guard's response to Tropical Storm Debby is a powerful testament to the impact of a joint team of military and civilian resources in disaster preparedness and response.