The NCNG has activated approximately 454 personnel, 95 force packages or groups, which perform specialized tasks, 181 military vehicles and three aircraft to various areas as heavy ice showers, snow and low temperatures impact North Carolina.
“We sent more troops out, more than we have in the last 20 years which helped us reach faster,” said Lt. Col. Ellis Parks, director of NCNG public affairs. “During operations several drivers slid off the road, we used our heavy mobility vehicles to get them back on their way,” said Parks.
Soldiers worked directly with its local Department of Emergency Management, the Department of Transportation and the N.C. State Highway Patrol. Many were tasked with public safety, keeping major highways clear for travel, and ensuring N.C. DOT would be able to move snow off roads and spread salt.
These prevention methods ensured a constant flow of traffic without any major delays as inclement weather continued to hit several parts of the state.” I know we don’t utilize [the] NCNG as much as we should, but when we call, Soldiers always show up and provide much needed assistance,” said Sgt. B.L. Cox, Surry County N.C. State Highway Patrol.
The NCNG supports its local partners with shelter operations, commodity transportation and distribution, communication support, road closure support, power generation support and cyber security protection.