FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 30, 2024
MEDIA CONTACT
Sierra Dean, External Affairs Director
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida State Guard (FSG) recognizes the acts of teamwork, service, and compassion demonstrated by all Floridians during the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season.
Floridians endured three devastating storms including Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton. 600+ FSG Soldiers partnered with the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC), Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), and the Florida National Guard (FLNG) to conduct 300+, Search and Rescue (SAR) missions, 220+ health and welfare checks, and deliver recovery supplies to 2,000+ Florida families within 43 Florida counties.
“We Floridians are well-versed in preparing for potential catastrophic impacts of a severe weather season,” said Executive Director Mark Thieme. “Our Florida State Guard ground, air, and maritime units deployed rapidly alongside partner agencies rendering expedient – and in several cases—life-saving aid to survivors within impacted communities. “
In preparation for the 2024 season, the Florida State Guard conducted quarterly Initial Entry Training (IET) programs, monthly advanced training periods, specialized mission rehearsals, and an annual joint-force training exercise with the Aviation Response Squadron (ARS), Crisis Response Battalion (CRB), Maritime Response Squadron (MRS), and the Special Missions Unit (SMU). Developing these joint operation competencies enabled state and local partners to rely on FSG Units to provide expedient critical support during the following missions.
Hurricane Debby
Units Activated: ARS, CRB, and MRS
Personnel: 100+
Mission Sets:
Humanitarian aid
Basic and advanced emergency medical assistance
Point-of-Distribution sites, route clearance, and transportation & logistics operations
Hurricane Helene
Units Activated: ARS, CRB, MRS, and SMU
Personnel: 300+
Mission Sets:
Humanitarian aid
Basic and advanced emergency medical assistance
Aerial medical evacuations
Maritime search & rescue and waterway reconnaissance & assessments
Point-of-Distribution sites, route clearance, and transportation & logistics operations
Aerial survey and damage assessments
K9 supported search & rescue
Hurricane Milton
Units Activated: ARS, CRB, MRS, and SMU
Personnel: 230+
Mission Sets:
Humanitarian aid
Basic and advanced emergency medical assistance
Waterborne safety patrols, maritime search & rescue, waterway reconnaissance and welfare checks
Aerial reconnaissance and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) impact surveys
Route clearance & traffic control, Point-of-Distribution sites, and high-water & land-based rescue missions
K9 supported search and rescue
The FSG remains prepared to provide statewide emergency response for any and all threats to public safety.
ABOUT FLORIDA STATE GUARD | WHEN DISASTER CALLS, WE ANSWER.
With a heritage dating back to WWII, the Florida State Guard was reactivated in 2022 as a state-supported volunteer force to provide rapid emergency response. The Florida State Guard’s continued growth in capability and personnel strengthens Florida’s emergency response in ground, air, maritime, and special operations. The Florida State Guard is committed to protecting the life and property of Floridians from all threats to public safety. For more information, visit https://www.floridastateguard.org/ . Connect with the Florida State Guard on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.
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