Governor Phil Murphy today announced that he has authorized 135 New Jersey National Guardsmen for deployment to Florida to support relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Ian, which made landfall yesterday as a Category 4 storm. In addition, 40 military and support vehicles will be sent to assist in the hurricane storm response.

Assistance is provided through the Emergency Management Assistant Compact (EMAC), a mutual aid agreement allowing states and territories to share resources in response to natural and man-made disasters. Governor Murphy accepted the EMAC this morning authorizing the mission to Florida.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Florida right now as they begin their journey to recovery from Hurricane Ian,” said Murphy. “We are thankful for the 135 men and women who bravely volunteered to travel down to Florida to assist with hurricane aid and relief efforts. We are continuing to monitor the storm as is heads further north and are prepared to provide more support where needed.”

“The New Jersey National Guard has an important history of being “Always Ready, Always There.” Whether it was Superstorm Sandy, watching over our Nation’s capital, or assisting during the COVID-19 pandemic, our citizen Soldiers and Airmen have distinguished themselves when our communities needed them most. This will be no different,” said Brig. Gen. Lisa J. Hou, D.O., Adjutant General of New Jersey. “Our hearts are with the families of all affected by this hurricane.”

“Hurricane Ian made landfall yesterday and created a path of destruction with dangerous winds and catastrophic flooding that has left the residents of Florida in need of assistance, and New Jersey has answered the call,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “The New Jersey National Guard will be sending resources and personnel to Florida to assist them on their road to recovery. Our prayers are with the residents of Florida and everyone affected by this storm.”

Hurricane Ian made landfall in southwest Florida on Wednesday as a Category 4 storm with sustained winds of up to 150 mph in the eye of the storm. The storm continued to move north throughout the night, causing tremendous damage and danger to those in its path, slowly downgrading to what is now a tropical storm. The storm continues to move north with high winds and heavy rains. Millions of Floridians are let without power and in dangerous conditions.