TRENTON – The New Jersey Army National Guard announced the deployment of approximately 80 Soldiers and 30 military vehicles to support Hurricane Milton response operations in Camp Blanding, Florida. A convoy from the 143d Transportation Company and 253d Transportation Company, 42d Regional Support Group anticipates arriving by the end of the week, as Hurricane Milton is forecast to make landfall on the Gulf Coast of Florida on Wednesday, October 9.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Florida as a second massive storm in as many weeks bears down on our nation’s Gulf Coast,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “New Jersey is committed to doing everything possible to assist Floridians impacted by Hurricane Milton—including sending a convoy to support the Florida Division of Emergency Management.”

Upon arrival to Camp Blanding, the unit will coordinate with the Florida Division of Emergency Management and the Florida National Guard. Tasks may include transportation of Florida National Guard personnel into weather-impacted areas and delivery of commodities to or from points of distribution.

“Floridians are family, and we know from personal experience what hurricane recovery means for our communities,” said Colonel Yvonne L. Mays, Acting Adjutant General of New Jersey. “Our Soldiers are trained and ready to support our neighbors in need.”

New Jersey responded to Florida’s request for support through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), the nation’s state-to-state mutual aid agreement. The Governors of Minnesota and Ohio have also authorized emergency assistance. EMAC matches personnel, equipment, and commodities to assist response and recovery efforts across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and four territories.