U.S. Army Corps of Engineers joins forces with National Guard in response to Florence

Photo By Edward Johnson | Spc. Eythan Kramm, assigned to the South Carolina Army National Guard, 125th Engineer Multi-Role Bridge Company, prepares a Bridge Erection Boat for transportation as part of efforts to mitigate the risk of flooding brought about by Hurricane Florence along the U.S. Highway 501 corridor in Horry County, S.C., Sept. 18, 2018. Army National Guard engineering units are working here with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers logistics and technical experts in support of FEMA, state and local partners during post-storm recovery operations. (U.S. Army photo by Edward N. Johnson)  

MYRTLE BEACH, SC, UNITED STATES

09.20.2018

Story by Edward Johnson 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District

By Edward N. Johnson

CONWAY, S.C. — U.S. Army Corps of Engineers logistics and technical advisors join forces with South Carolina National Guard engineering battalions as part of Hurricane Florence response and recovery operations in Horry County, S.C.

“I just want to say what an honor it is for the Corps of Engineers to support our FEMA, local, and state partners in this post-storm period,” said the USACE South Atlantic Division Commander, Brig. Gen. Diana M. Holland. “One of the ways we’re helping here is with flood mitigation efforts along U.S. Highway 501.”

Philip Bethea, a construction engineer with the South Carolina Department of Transportation underscored the importance of keeping the 501 corridor open as long as possible.

“At this point our goal is to keep at least one lane open in each direction of the highway to ensure local residents have access to medical services, food and supplies,” said Bethea. “Fortunately the Army Corps and National Guard are helping make that happen.”

Lt. Col. William A. Matheny, commander, 122 Engineering Battalion, is the South Carolina National Guard’s senior engineer on the ground and at the center of efforts to mitigate the risk of flooding in the area.

“This actually isn’t the first time I’ve had the privilege of serving with Brig. Gen. Holland,” said Matheny. “She was my commander during a 2013 deployment to Afghanistan and we really appreciate the resources she and her personnel are able to provide in support of our operations here on the ground in South Carolina.”

With that in mind, USACE personnel are working around the clock to support the effort.

According to Tommy Fennel, USACE’s on-site liaison officer assigned to the Horry County Emergency Operations Center, there are USACE personnel from across the country integrated into state and local efforts to provide logistics and technical advice regarding Hurricane Florence flood response efforts.

“So far we’ve supplied more than 22,000 linear feet of wire mesh barrier material and 125,000 sandbags to this site alone,” said Fennel. “These mission critical supplies are being deployed at the direction of the South Carolina Department of Transportation to help protect areas impacted by flooding.”

• Date Taken: 09.20.2018
• Date Posted: 09.20.2018 19:53
• Story ID: 293796
• Location: MYRTLE BEACH, SC, US