Maryland National Guard Soldiers staged and ready on Eastern Shore

The Maryland National Guard officially opens the Easton Readiness Center in Easton, Maryland, with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Aug. 10, 2019. This new 47,000 square-foot facility replaces a legacy building constructed in 1976. It now houses two units, D Co., 1-175th Inf. Regt. and an element of the 729th QM Composite Supply Co. (US National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Paul Porter)

BALTIMORE — The Maryland National Guard has staged approximately 20 Soldiers on state active duty and 10 vehicles at the Easton and Salisbury armories as a precaution in case they are needed to support civil agencies responding to severe weather this weekend. The MDNG is ready to assist local and state emergency agencies as they respond to potential impacts from heavy rains and flooding with light/medium tactical vehicles for evacuation transportation.

“Our Soldiers are always ready to respond and are ready to assist if needed,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Timothy E. Gowen, the adjutant general of Maryland. “The Maryland National Guard is able to rapidly respond with the capabilities our state agency partners request because we train for this. I am proud of our team’s efforts and we are honored that the Governor trusts us to help keep our neighbors and communities safe.”

The Maryland Department of Emergency Management is urging all Marylanders to monitor weather conditions and prepare for severe weather as the National Weather Service is predicting heavy rain, coastal and tidal flooding, and gale-force winds. The shores of the Chesapeake Bay, the Atlantic coast, and the Potomac River are most vulnerable to the impending inclement weather, with a high probability of flooding along the Eastern Shore.

During domestic operations, the MDNG receives missions through MDEM and responds as part of a multi-agency team with the other state and local emergency agencies to provide support capabilities to communities in need. Because it is tasked through MDEM, the MDNG is not able to respond to direct support requests from the public. Anyone in need of emergency assistance should call 911 rather than the National Guard.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Capt. Ben Hughes
Maryland National Guard Public Affairs Office
ng.md.mdarng.list.pao@army.mil
Phone: 667-296-3662