Florida Nation Guard readies all resources

Photo By Spc. Alexander Helman | Sgt. Kasey Jones, a soldier from the Florida National Guard’s 146th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, assesses equipment vital to communication in the fight against Hurricane Ian. The threat of structural downage across the state prompted the Florida National Guard to act fast, drawing upon its resources in the event that infrastructure required swift support. (U.S Army Photo by Pfc. Alexander Helman)  

FL, UNITED STATES

09.27.2022

Story by Pfc. Alexander Helman 

107th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Jacksonville, Fla (Sept. 27, 2022) - With the oncoming threat of Hurricane Ian, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has activated approximately 5,000 Florida National Guard (FLNG) Soldiers and Florida Air National Guard personnel in preparation for oncoming landfall.
With the possibility of infrastructure damage, Gov. DeSantis will enlist state and local leadership to ensure the safety and health of the local population. FLNG Soldiers at the Maxwell Snyder Armory in Jacksonville and several other locations around the state will conduct emergency response operations as well as assist local and state entities.
Soldiers specialized in several different skill sets are working together to prepare for the oncoming storm. The 146th Expeditionary Signal Battalion (ESB) is ensuring its satellite equipment is ready to go in the event of loss of communication infrastructure. The Transportable Tactical Command Communications (T2C2) program deploys Ground Antenna Transmit and Receive (GATR) balls that can provide emergency communication capabilities to civilians and first responders.
“We are preparing for Hurricane Ian by giving our soldiers training on the T2C2 ‘GATR’ devices,” said Sgt. Justin Love, a Satellite Communication Systems Operator-Maintainer with the 146th ESB. “This training will allow us to support Emergency Operation Centers (EOCs) when services are needed, such as phone service and internet.”
If a major Florida city experiences a severe loss of communication, it could cripple first responder efforts and leave civilians in the dark. The 146th ESB stands ready to combat this contingency. As Hurricane Ian makes landfall, 2,000 citizens are already without power, demonstrating the severity of this storm. The FLNG takes no chances in such circumstances, providing essential tools and services to local and state relief efforts in times of hardship.
“It’s always important to train,” said Sgt. Kasey Jones, a Multichannel Transmission Systems Operator-Maintainer with the 146th ESB. "It's best to stay ready, not get ready."

• Date Taken: 09.27.2022
• Date Posted: 09.28.2022 13:52
• Story ID: 430268
• Location: FL, US