5,000 more National Guard troops mobilized ahead of Hurricane Milton

More than 5,000 Florida National Guard troops have been mobilized to prepare for the arrival of Hurricane Milton in the state later this week, even as thousands of other military personnel continue recovery efforts related to Hurricane Helene throughout the southeast United States.

Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh told reporters on Wednesday that military forces stand ready to respond to support requests from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and state leaders in Milton’s path.

In addition, Army officials have moved additional personnel and equipment to Fort Moore in Georgia in anticipation of future needs, to include vehicles and aircraft for search and rescue operations. White House officials on Tuesday said that dozens of Defense Department high-water vehicles have been pre-positioned in areas of need.