RICHMOND, Va. (WFXR) — The Virginia National Guard has mobilized in the Southwest Virginia region to clean up debris after passing winter weather and ahead of possible flooding from expected rainfall and snowmelt.
Around 30 National Guard chainsaw teams and heavy-tactical vehicles to clear roads of downed trees and provide transportation through heavy snow and high water have been deployed. In addition, two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters with rescue hoists have also been called in to assist.
(Photo Credit: Virginia National Guard)
Military officials said 15 soldiers already in the Southwest Virginia area will support any potential response operations. All 45 additional soldiers and the two Black Hawks are expected to arrive on Thursday, February 13. 50 BNG personnel that were already staged in Warrenton, Bowling Green, and Rocky Mount for snow response efforts on February 10 are also waiting to help with any response.
“Virginia localities have robust response capabilities, but they count on the Virginia National Guard to provide additional resources when needed,” said Brig. Gen. Todd H. Hubbard, VNG Director of the Joint Staff after the Soldiers staged on Feb. 10. “Our Soldiers quickly and safely moved to their staging locations on very short notice, so they are ready to assist when the winter weather hits. We continue to get great administrative and logistics support from the Virginia Defense Force, and we also owe a special thanks to our families and employers for everything they do to make sure our personnel can conduct the mission.”
VNG UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crews and Chesterfield Fire & Emergency Medical Services rescue technicians form the Virginia Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team to provide rotary wing aviation hoist capabilities and aerial rescue evacuation. Four VNG Soldiers and three Chesterfield techs make up each HART crew. Read more about Va. HART at https://vngpao.info/VaHART.