Albany, NY - August 28, 2017 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today deployed aircraft, vessels, and Airmen from the 106th Rescue Wing of the New York Air National Guard to help the Hurricane Harvey response in Texas and Louisiana.
"As Hurricane Harvey continues to devastate the Gulf Coast, I am deploying emergency personnel and equipment to help mitigate damage and aid in the recovery effort," Governor Cuomo said. "New Yorkers first-hand know the damage Mother Nature can cause, and we stand shoulder to shoulder with Louisiana and Texas as they brace for Hurricane Harvey."
Yesterday, Governor Cuomo spoke to Governor Greg Abbott of Texas and Governor John Bel Edwards of Louisiana to offer assistance before and after the storm, and the state stands ready to offer additional support the Governors need.
The personnel and aircraft include 104 Air Guard personnel, including rescue teams, maintenance and support staff, three rescue helicopters, one rescue plane and several boats and watercraft and are being deployed from Francis S. Gabreski Airport to Fort Hood to aid in the recovery efforts.
New York has a long history of helping other states following natural disasters. In addition to sending similar assistance to Florida following Hurricanes Matthew, Frances, Ivan, and Dennis, New York dispatched a multi-agency team of more than 300 individuals to assist Louisiana following Hurricane Katrina, as well as another 18-member team after Hurricane Gustav. Additionally, New York has sent crews of firefighters west many times to assist with containing wildfires.