The New Jersey Army National Guard prepares to deploy approximately 80 Soldiers and 30 military vehicles to support Hurricane Milton response operations at Camp Blanding, Florida. A convoy from the 143rd and 253rd Transportation Companies plans to arrive by the end of the week, coinciding with Hurricane Milton’s anticipated landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast today, October 9.
In a recent Twitter post, Governor Phil Murphy emphasized the state’s commitment to assisting Florida during this critical time. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Florida. We stand ready to assist them in their time of need,” he said. The Governor’s remarks reflect New Jersey’s willingness to lend support, especially as this marks a second major storm impacting the region in just a few weeks.
Upon arriving at Camp Blanding, New Jersey Soldiers will coordinate directly with the Florida Division of Emergency Management and the Florida National Guard. They will handle responsibilities such as transporting personnel into weather-affected areas, delivering essential supplies, and assisting in logistics operations.
In a recent press release, Colonel Yvonne L. Mays, Acting Adjutant General of New Jersey, stated, “Floridians are family, and we know from personal experience what hurricane recovery means for our communities. Our Soldiers stand trained and ready to support our neighbors in need.” This deployment underscores the collaborative spirit among states during times of crisis.
New Jersey responds to Florida’s request for aid through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), a mutual aid agreement that facilitates state-to-state support during emergencies. States like Minnesota and Ohio have also authorized assistance under EMAC, which helps match personnel, equipment, and resources to bolster response and recovery efforts across the United States.
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