Texas Guard activates for flood duty

By Chief Master Sgt. Gonda Moncada
Texas National Guard

Texas Army National Guard aviators and Texas Taskforce 1 (TTF-1) members prepared for swift water rescues over Canyon Lake, near San Antonio, Texas during a recent training event held Oct. 15, 2009. Both agencies were activated by Gov. Rick Perry Oct. 29 to assist authorities in case heavy rainfall results in flooding. (Photo by Cheryl Barbeau, Texas National Guard) download hi-res photo

AUSTIN, Texas (10/30/09) – Gov. Rick Perry activated state search and rescue resources, including the Texas National Guard and Texas Taskforce 1, Oct. 29 to assist authorities in case heavy rainfall results in flooding. 

Severe weather is expected in Houston, Beaumont, Longview and Lufkin, where staging areas have been established.

The Texas National Guard has activated two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters in San Antonio, two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters in Austin, 20 high-profile vehicles and a total of 72 personnel.

Six TTF-1 swift water rescue teams have joined the Texas National Guard aviators. TTF-1 teams and Texas National Guard aviators routinely train together. 

Most recently, they trained over Canyon Lake near San Antonio. The extensive training program included swift water and tree rescue training.

Heavy rains over the last few days and weeks have saturated the ground and many rivers are above flood stage.  The National Weather Service predicts rainfall to continue through Saturday morning in some areas. 

Guard officials said they will continue to monitor the situation and increase or decrease the number of Soldiers and equipment as conditions on the ground dictate.

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