Delaware News

Delaware Guardsmen Deploy to Puerto Rico

Governor John Carney | News | Office of the Governor | Date Posted: Tuesday, October 24, 2017


Picture of the Delaware Governor's Seal

Transportation Experts Called to Support Hurricane Relief Efforts

SMYRNDA, Del. – On Tuesday, October 24th at approximately 745am, 36 Soldiers from the Delaware National Guard’s 1049th Transportation Company departed the Smryna Readiness Center (103 Artisan Drive in Smryna) via motor coach and to be flown to Puerto Rico to assist with hurricane relief efforts.

Governor Carney helps send off 36 Soldiers of the Delaware National Guard’s 1049th Transportation Company to assist in Puerto Rico with hurricane relief efforts.

“Delawareans have proven that we stand ready and willing to help our fellow citizens affected by natural disasters,” said Governor Carney. “To the 36 Soldiers responding to the mission in Puerto Rico, thank you for your service. And thank you to all members of our Delaware National Guard who are answering the call to help those in need.”

The Soldiers will deploy for up to 60 days and help transport supplies necessary to support the citizens of Puerto Rico as they recover from Hurricane Maria.  The Soldiers are truck drivers and maintenance personnel. They have a wealth of experience. Some have deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and others to New York in 2012 in support of Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.

Since August, about 80 Delaware National Guard Soldiers, Airmen, and women have deployed to support hurricane relief efforts in Texas, Florida, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. The Delaware National Guard has transported 80 tons of supplies to include, generators, satellite communications equipment, medical supplies, and food and water. Our C-130 aircraft pilots and crews have evacuated more than 250 citizens to safety. We have also provided support with medical, engineer, and communications experts. Currently, we have a team on the ground in the Virgin Islands helping with aerial port operations at St. Croix Airport, along with a team of communication experts assisting in Puerto Rico.

“This request for support just came last Thursday, but these Soldiers reacted in true Minuteman tradition – leaving within less than a week.  They are always ready, always there,” said Brig. Gen. Michael Berry, Director of the Delaware National Guard’s Joint Staff.

For more information, please contact Lt. Col. Len Gratteri at 302 540 0134, or email at Leonard.a.gratteri.mil@mail.mil.

 

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Delaware Guardsmen Deploy to Puerto Rico

Governor John Carney | News | Office of the Governor | Date Posted: Tuesday, October 24, 2017


Picture of the Delaware Governor's Seal

Transportation Experts Called to Support Hurricane Relief Efforts

SMYRNDA, Del. – On Tuesday, October 24th at approximately 745am, 36 Soldiers from the Delaware National Guard’s 1049th Transportation Company departed the Smryna Readiness Center (103 Artisan Drive in Smryna) via motor coach and to be flown to Puerto Rico to assist with hurricane relief efforts.

Governor Carney helps send off 36 Soldiers of the Delaware National Guard’s 1049th Transportation Company to assist in Puerto Rico with hurricane relief efforts.

“Delawareans have proven that we stand ready and willing to help our fellow citizens affected by natural disasters,” said Governor Carney. “To the 36 Soldiers responding to the mission in Puerto Rico, thank you for your service. And thank you to all members of our Delaware National Guard who are answering the call to help those in need.”

The Soldiers will deploy for up to 60 days and help transport supplies necessary to support the citizens of Puerto Rico as they recover from Hurricane Maria.  The Soldiers are truck drivers and maintenance personnel. They have a wealth of experience. Some have deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and others to New York in 2012 in support of Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.

Since August, about 80 Delaware National Guard Soldiers, Airmen, and women have deployed to support hurricane relief efforts in Texas, Florida, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. The Delaware National Guard has transported 80 tons of supplies to include, generators, satellite communications equipment, medical supplies, and food and water. Our C-130 aircraft pilots and crews have evacuated more than 250 citizens to safety. We have also provided support with medical, engineer, and communications experts. Currently, we have a team on the ground in the Virgin Islands helping with aerial port operations at St. Croix Airport, along with a team of communication experts assisting in Puerto Rico.

“This request for support just came last Thursday, but these Soldiers reacted in true Minuteman tradition – leaving within less than a week.  They are always ready, always there,” said Brig. Gen. Michael Berry, Director of the Delaware National Guard’s Joint Staff.

For more information, please contact Lt. Col. Len Gratteri at 302 540 0134, or email at Leonard.a.gratteri.mil@mail.mil.

 

XXX

image_printPrint

Related Topics:  , , , , , ,


Graphic that represents delaware news on a mobile phone

Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.

Here you can subscribe to future news updates.