FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) soldiers are preparing to deploy to Florida to support Hurricane Irma relief efforts.
The preparations, which began Sept. 7, include identifying, training, manning and equipping potential response forces.
One of those forces, the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st ABN DIV (AASLT), will relocate more than 35 aircraft, 40 vehicles and 370 personnel to various locations in the affected area.
The relocation moves the assets out of or behind the path of the storm, which is expected to impact the Fort Campbell area, thereby ensuring their safety and preparedness.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by Hurricane Irma,” said Col. Craig J. Alia, 101st CAB commander. “101 CAB isn’t waiting. We are leaning forward now, proactively positioning our personnel and equipment to help the American people if called forward to support. Should local officials and emergency services need additional assets, we will be staged and prepared to go at a moment’s notice.”
While the division received orders to reposition some of its forces, it has not been ordered yet to assist in the Total Army’s support to local, state and federal hurricane response efforts.
However, it remains prepared to respond to this or any contingency.
“The Army’s readiness – its ability to rapidly deploy trained and ready forces wherever they are needed – is critical to protecting America, America’s interests and American lives,” said Lt. Col. Martin L. O’Donnell, 101st ABN DIV (AASLT) spokesperson. “Make no mistake, the 101st is ready.”