North Carolina National Guard activates 81 soldiers and airmen to respond to Hurricane Earl

NC National Guard activates 81 for Hurricane Earl

RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina National Guard will deploy 81 troops to trouble spots from Hurricane Earl.

A statement says the soldiers and airmen are scheduled to gather in Edenton on Wednesday evening to prepare its emergency operations.

Maj. Matt Handley says the troops will respond based on calls from county emergency management officials.

An additional 150 Guardsmen are on standby. They will be used for command and control and provide security or reconnaissance assistance to emergency workers.

Also, two UH-60 Blackhawk aircraft and crews will be readied at their headquarters in Salisbury.