Ivey deploys the Alabama National Guard to Florida, North Carolina to assist in hurricane recovery

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey announced Thursday that she was deploying the National Guard to Florida to support the response to Hurricane Milton and to provide additional assistance in North Carolina's recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene.

The announcement said a 57-member Type III Urban Search & Rescue Task Force would be deployed to Florida.

A 16-member team from the 20th Special Forces Group is deployed to North Carolina after initial approval from National Guard members by Ivey several weeks ago. Members of the 169th Aviation Regiment and two CH-47 Chinook helicopters are also being activated to assist in the recovery effort.

“Alabamians do not hesitate to provide assistance when our neighbors are in need. “I’m proud that the Alabama National Guard and first responders are supporting the efforts in both North Carolina and Florida,” Ivey said.

“I pray for the safety of our Alabama Guard, first responders, linemen and other volunteers, and I pray for all states as they recover from these devastating hurricanes.”

Alabama National Guard Adjutant General David Pritchett said they are committed to helping affected communities recover.

“Days like this are why these soldiers joined the National Guard,” Pritchett said.

“So many of us have friends and family who have been directly affected by both Helene and Milton. It is a privilege to put on this uniform and show up when our country, our states and our communities need us most. We are committed to providing all possible support to help these resilient communities get back on their feet.”