Texas Troops Mobilize In Support Of Storm, Flood Victims

Follow CBSDFW.COM: Facebook | Twitter

AUSTIN(CBSDFW.COM) - Approximately 100 citizen-soldiers and airmen with the Texas Military Forces are headed to North Texas in support of the severe weather and flooding, Governor Greg Abbott announced Thursday.

Currently, UH-60 Blackhawks, CH-47 Chinooks and C-130 air crews remain on standby in Austin, Grand Prairie, Houston and College Station to assist with any emergency search and rescue, swift water rescues and/or emergency evacuations.

In addition, members of the 176th Engineer Brigade have been activated to support local, state, and federal agencies with any request for high water ground transportation and evacuation needs. Members of the Texas State Guard are mobilized to assist with various aspects of logistical support.

"This is what we train for," said Brig. Gen. Patrick M. Hamilton, Commander of Domestic Operations Task Force. "This type of operation is not new for Texans, and we're proud to stand beside our civilian partners, firefighters, first responders and volunteers."

The Texas Military Forces continues to work with the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to project additional personnel and equipment requirements as needed should the flooding and storms continue into next week.

"This is Texans helping Texans – neighbors helping neighbors," Hamilton said. "While we don't want to have to put our training to the test during a tragedy, our citizen-soldiers remain prepared to help save lives and property, when called."

(©2015 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)