Arkansas is sending more than 500 National Guard members to Louisiana to help with hurricane relief efforts.
On Tuesday, Governor Asa Hutchinson announced that members from the 142nd Field Artillery Brigade had already departed from Fort Chaffee. Members of the 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team are expected to deploy from various armories sometime on Wednesday.
“When our neighbors in Louisiana asked for assistance after Hurricane Ida, our immediate response was ‘when, where, and how many,’” Governor Hutchinson said in a statement.
Both units will report to Minden, Louisiana to assist the Louisiana National Guard to assist in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida. Officials say the 142nd will assist in high-water rescue and recovery operations, while also providing unarmed security and traffic control. Members of the 39th will aid in route-clearance operations.
Hutchinson also said 33 Arkansas State Troopers are awaiting federal approval for a 14 day deployment to Baton Rouge to assist Louisiana State Troopers in preventing looting. The troopers will also assist in search and rescue as needed.
“This Category 4 hurricane has dealt a significant physical and emotional blow to the state," Hutchinson said. "Our soldiers and troopers will be on the front lines to deliver hope as well as physical assistance as Louisianans face the challenges and uncertainties of the coming days.”
