136th Airlift Wing mobilized for Hurricane Harvey

Photo By Julie Briden-Garcia | Airmen from the Texas Air National Guard’s 136th Airlift Wing at Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base, Texas, staging cargo and passengers prior to takeoff August 28, 2017, preparing to support those areas impacted by Hurricane Harvey. Approximately 12,000 Texas Army and Air National Guard and Texas State Guard members are now activated at the request of Texas Governor Greg Abbott. This is how the 136 AW serves … Texans serving Texans. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ms. Julie Briden-Garcia)  

FORT WORTH, TX, UNITED STATES

08.29.2017

Story by Senior Airman DeJon Williams 

136th Airlift Wing (Texas Air National Guard)

Members of the 136th Airlift Wing, Texas Air National Guard, stationed at the Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base, were called to state active duty to support the relief efforts of Hurricane Harvey in southern Texas, Aug. 28. The wing deployed five C-130H2 Hercules aircraft to Galveston, Texas, with equipment and personnel to establish secure airfield operations and prepare evacuation aid for Hurricane Harvey victims.

The 136th Airlift Wing's primary mission is tactical airlift and airdrop operations. Airmen from the wing are being recalled from across the state and around the country to do the jobs they are trained to do and support the Texas mission whenever and wherever called upon.

“We received that call yesterday morning and were able to launch our aircraft methodically to react to the ever-changing needs of the victims suffering from Hurricane Harvey's devastation,” said Maj. Theresa Chrystal, 136th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander. “Our aircraft maintainers and crews are steadily working to quick turn these planes as necessary to evacuate personnel and bring them to shelters in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. When these aircraft return to home station, they are being refueled and additional supplies and personnel will be loaded to continue providing aid to our fellow Texans.”

Men and women from the 136th Airlift Wing were activated by Texas Governor Greg Abbott as a part of the 12,000 guardsmen statewide called for support, search and rescue efforts.

“It is imperative that we do everything possible to protect the lives and safety of people across the state of Texas as we continue to face the aftermath of this storm,” said Governor Abbott. “The Texas National Guard is working closely with FEMA and federal troops to respond urgently to the growing needs of Texans who have fallen victim to Hurricane Harvey, and the activation of the entire Guard will assist in the efforts already underway.”

Guardsmen conduct routine exercises and training to respond to natural disasters and tragedy. Hurricane Harvey is the first hurricane to hit the Texas coast since 2008. With the ongoing relief effort, the 136th continues to provide seamless assistance to stand by its motto, “Nulli-Secundus—Second to none.”

For more information about the 136th Airlift Wing, visit www.136aw.ang.af.mil.

• Date Taken: 08.29.2017
• Date Posted: 08.29.2017 15:31
• Story ID: 246445
• Location: FORT WORTH, TX, US