Governor Kay Ivey moved to deploy members of the Alabama National Guard late last week – but it’s not in response to Alberto.
At the request of the Trump administration, Ivey approved the deployment of a helicopter and five troops to the southwest United States in order to help protect the southwestern border. Those soldiers will be supporting the Texas National Guard in partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Ivey says “Alabama is committed to ensuring the safety and security of our nation” and “we are proud to assist in the Southwest border mission”.
The state plans to dispatch a UH-72A Lakota helicopter along with a flight crew and aircraft maintenance crew out of Birmingham tomorrow. National Guard officials say the helicopter is equipped an infrared system and night spotlight and can work in conjunction with law enforcement to conduct vehicle pursuits, search and rescue operations, and casualty evacuation.