Source: US military sends warships, aircraft to Texas
CNN) — With floodwaters from Tropical Storm Harvey swallowing entire Texas cities, the US military is mobilizing its resources from states across the country to help local law enforcement and civilian volunteers in the rescue effort.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has activated the entire Texas National Guard, which is made up of roughly 12,000 troops.
State, local and military rescue units have plucked thousands of stranded residents from the water and deluged homes.
On Sunday, the Defense Department and Abbott agreed to establish a “dual-status command” that would allow a single commander for both federal and state forces overseeing and coordinating the response efforts.
“It is imperative that we give our military and first responders on the ground the most efficient method of execution when responding to the urgent needs of Texans,” Abbott said in a statement.
On Monday, Military surgical teams, communications teams, maintenance and other military support elements totaling more than 400 personnel were given orders to be prepared to deploy within 24 hours.
These are the military forces being sent and on standby to assist with rescue efforts:
Navy and Air Force
