|
For Release: Immediate
Date: September 15, 2003 |
 |
For additional information contact: Captain Robert N. Carver North Carolina National Guard Office of Public Affairs 4105 Reedy Creek Road Raleigh, NC 27607-6410 Phone:(919) 664-6244
|
|
For Release: Immediate
Date: September 15, 2003 |
|
For additional information contact: Captain Robert N. Carver North Carolina National Guard Office of Public Affairs 4105 Reedy Creek Road Raleigh, NC 27607-6410 Phone:(919) 664-6244
|
RALEIGH - The North Carolina National Guard has a pool of 3,500 soldiers and airmen on standby and another more than 1,500 available to respond to the state's needs if and when Hurricane Isabel comes ashore.
"Some published reports would lead people to believe that we are undermanned and unprepared, and that is simply not the case," said Maj. Gen. William E. Ingram, Jr., commander of the North Carolina National Guard. "Despite our commitments here in the United States and overseas, we have more than enough people and equipment to serve the people of North Carolina in the event of a natural disaster."
The North Carolina National Guard has approximately 12,000 soldiers and airmen in its ranks. Right now, approximately 1,800 of them are on federal active duty either here in the United States or overseas. Another 4,500, the soldiers of the 30th Heavy Separate Brigade headquartered in Clinton, N.C., are on alert for possible mobilization in the coming weeks. That leaves a surplus of more than 5,000 personnel for responding to other contingencies, including natural disasters. The alert of the 30th has led to many of the questions about the Guard's ability to respond to a state emergency.
"The Guard is prepared and has my full confidence," said Bryan E. Beatty, secretary of the North Carolina Department of Crime Control and Public Safety. "The people of North Carolina should rest assured that the Guard can do the mission if Isabel comes ashore."
"The mobilization of the 30th is having no impact on the Guard's ability to meet my needs in terms of disaster response," said Dr. Ken Taylor, director of the North Carolina Division of Emergency Management (NCEM). "We work together on a regular basis. Their planning is superb, and I know their execution of whatever mission we call them to perform will be outstanding."
The North Carolina National Guard mobilized 6,427 soldiers and airmen over a three month period during the response to Hurricane Floyd, the state's worst natural disaster, which occurred in September of 1999. However, only some 4,800 were on duty at any one time.
 |
 |
 |