Maryland National Guard mobilizes Eastern Shore response during winter storm
By Capt. Dylan Bradford
SALISBURY, Md. — More than 40 Maryland Army National Guard soldiers were activated on state active duty with 18 tactical vehicles in response to the winter storm that impacted Maryland’s Eastern Shore, February 22-25, 2026.
The Guardsmen from the 58th Troop Command supported missions in Worcester, Wicomico, Somerset, and Caroline counties. Operating High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs) and Light Medium Tactical Vehicles (LMTVs), the soldiers conducted route clearance, debris removal, emergency transport, and standby support for local agencies.
“Our soldiers are trained, equipped, and ready to move when Marylanders need help,” said Brig. Gen. Andrew W. Collins, commander of the Maryland Army National Guard. “After responding to a similar snowstorm just last month, they brought recent, real-world experience to this mission and were prepared to immediately support local first responders. Protecting our communities is our priority, and our soldiers leveraged their established relationships with emergency operations personnel to help ensure a rapid and effective response.”
At the end of January, approximately 200 Maryland National Guard personnel were previously activated across seven locations across the state for a large snowstorm response during Operation Blur.
Soldiers assigned to the 29th Military Police Company and the 200th Military Police Company were conducting regularly scheduled drills west of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge when they were directed to support operations on the Eastern Shore as snowfall began on that Saturday.
Soldiers from Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 175th Infantry Regiment, were directed to activate and report to Easton to support operations across Caroline County.
Mission assignments were coordinated through the Maryland Department of Emergency Management and the Maryland National Guard Joint Operations Center, which processed requests from county agencies and directed resources within Guard capabilities.
In Worcester County, 11 soldiers staged in and around Berlin, where snow-covered roads limited vehicle movement. During operations, an Ocean City Police Department vehicle became stuck in deep snow. After a civilian tow operator determined recovery efforts could immobilize its vehicle, Guardsmen used a military vehicle to extract the cruiser without damage.
“I am so grateful for the help we had from the Maryland National Guard,” said Zach Tyndall, mayor of Berlin. “Thank you to you and your team for helping the Town of Berlin during this winter storm. It means so much to our community.”
Soldiers also assisted with debris removal, clearing snow, and other storm-related tasks in Berlin, like helping the eclectic company get access to power lines to restore power. Unit leadership ensured the soldiers were prepared and taken care of so they could do their jobs safely and professionally.
“When we first drove into Berlin and saw families outside waving, it put everything into perspective,” said 2nd Lt. John Townsend of the 29th Military Police Company. “We were there to help with recovery efforts, but we were also there to provide reassurance during a tough time. The gratitude from the community and the teamwork within our formation are what I will remember most. Moments like this remind me that serving in the National Guard is about showing up for your neighbors when they need you.”
In Wicomico County, four Guard personnel transported residents to and from the shelter at the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center in Salisbury and trailed emergency medical services units responding to storm-related calls.
In Somerset County, five soldiers staged at Washington High School to transport shelter and state employees and maintained standby coverage in Crisfield. In Caroline County, 16 soldiers cleared a fallen tree from Federalsburg Highway, transported dispatch personnel, and provided emergency standby support to local fire departments.
“I truly enjoy the impact we have on the community,” said Spc. Gavin Rouse of the 29th Military Police Company. “During this mission, we provided safe and reliable transportation to essential personnel through about a foot of snow, relying on our training, our knowledge of the vehicles, and clear communication to operate safely. Seeing the gratitude from the workers we supported and knowing we helped them continue serving the community made the long hours worth it.”
As the weather warmed up and operations across all four counties were complete, the soldiers redeployed after supporting 14 storm-related requests for assistance.
“Being able to take the skills we practice every month and apply them in a real-world operation is incredibly rewarding,” said Rouse. “This is why I joined the National Guard.”
