136th Airlift Wing mobilised for Hurricane Harvey
The wing deployed five C-130H2 Hercules aircraft to Galveston with equipment and personnel to establish secure airfield operations and prepare evacuation aid for Hurricane Harvey victims.
The Texas Air National Guard has reported that members of the 136th Airlift Wing stationed at the Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base were called to state active duty to support the relief efforts of Hurricane Harvey in southern Texas on 28 August. The wing deployed five C-130H2 Hercules aircraft to Galveston with equipment and personnel to establish secure airfield operations and prepare evacuation aid for Hurricane Harvey victims.
The 136th Airlift Wing's primary mission is tactical airlift and airdrop operations. Airmen from the wing are being recalled from across the state and around the country to support the Texas mission whenever and wherever called upon.
“We received that call yesterday morning and were able to launch our aircraft methodically to react to the ever-changing needs of the victims suffering from Hurricane Harvey's devastation,” said Major Theresa Chrystal, 136th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander. “Our aircraft maintainers and crews are steadily working to quick turn these planes as necessary to evacuate personnel and bring them to shelters in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. When these aircraft return to home station, they are being refuelled and additional supplies and personnel will be loaded to continue providing aid to our fellow Texans.”
Men and women from the 136th Airlift Wing were activated by Texas Governor Greg Abbott as a part of the 12,000 guardsmen statewide called for support, search and rescue efforts.
“It is imperative that we do everything possible to protect the lives and safety of people across the state of Texas as we continue to face the aftermath of this storm,” said Governor Abbott. “The Texas National Guard is working closely with FEMA and federal troops to respond urgently to the growing needs of Texans who have fallen victim to Hurricane Harvey, and the activation of the entire Guard will assist in the efforts already underway.”