Hurricane Francine weakened Thursday after making landfall in Louisiana as a Category 2 storm, inflicting substantial damage across the state. The hurricane knocked out power to hundreds of thousands of utility customers, sent storm surges rushing into coastal communities, and raised flooding fears in New Orleans and other regions. In the wake of the destruction, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry declared a state of emergency and activated both the Louisiana National Guard and the Louisiana State Guard (State Defense Force) to respond to the crisis. At the height of the storm, 450,000 people were without power, and emergency shelters were filled with around 500 residents. While no deaths or injuries were reported, the aftermath saw communities grappling with widespread damage, with many homes, businesses, and infrastructure severely impacted by the strong winds, heavy rains, and storm surges.
Following Governor Landry’s order, the Louisiana State Guard quickly mobilized to support recovery and relief efforts across the state. The Guard’s 3rd Area Command played a crucial role in providing logistical support, operating from the State Supply Warehouse at Training Center Pineville. They coordinated the distribution of essential supplies, such as water, food, medical supplies, and emergency equipment, to the hardest-hit areas. Their efforts were part of a larger mission to assist the Louisiana National Guard and the Louisiana Military Department, ensuring that relief reached those most in need. “The 3rd Area Command has been instrumental in ensuring that our state’s emergency response efforts remain efficient and effective,” said Lieutenant Colonel John Frost, Commander of the 3rd Area Command. The warehouse operations ran around the clock, highlighting the dedication of the Guard members in getting critical supplies to affected communities.
In addition to logistical support, the Louisiana State Guard executed a Point of Distribution (POD) mission to deliver emergency supplies in partnership with the Louisiana National Guard’s 3rd Battalion, 156th Infantry Regiment. This operation was conducted at the Bayou Blue Fire Station in Houma, Louisiana, where the Guard’s 1st, 2nd, and 4th Area Commands worked in coordination to distribute vital resources such as water, food, and ice to residents of Terrebonne Parish, one of the areas hardest hit by the hurricane. Brigadier General Larry Benton, Commander of the Louisiana State Guard, praised the joint efforts: “The recovery from Hurricane Francine demands the best from all of us. The Louisiana State Guard is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Louisiana National Guard in providing the critical support necessary for our communities to recover.” The Guard’s small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) team also played a vital role, providing aerial assessments to the National Guard’s so they can allocate their resources appropriately to the areas in most need. Their high-resolution imagery helped identify logistical challenges at POD sites, facilitating a more efficient distribution of resources.
The Louisiana State Guard also assisted The National Guard Public Affairs (PAO) team. This team played a vital role by disseminating timely information to the public and coordinating media coverage, ensuring that residents were informed about safety measures, available resources, and ongoing recovery efforts. Their efforts helped maintain clear communication between state authorities and the affected communities, facilitating a coordinated response to Hurricane Francine.
As Louisiana begins to rebuild in the wake of Hurricane Francine, the Louisiana State Guard remains committed to supporting ongoing recovery efforts.
Louisiana State Guard’s 3rd Area Command Provides Critical Logistical Support in Response to Hurricane Francine
PINEVILLE, LA – September 12, 2024 – The Louisiana State Guard’s 3rd Area Command has been actively engaged in providing logistical support to the state’s emergency response operations to Hurricane Francine. Operating out of the State Supply Warehouse at Training Center Pineville, the 3rd Area Command has played a key role in coordinating and distributing essential supplies to impacted areas throughout the state.
Hurricane Francine, which made landfall on Wednesday, has caused widespread damage across Louisiana. As part of its mission to support the Louisiana National Guard (LANG) and the Louisiana Military Department (LMD), the 3rd Area Command has mobilized to ensure timely delivery of critical resources, including water, food, medical supplies, and emergency equipment, to affected regions.
Lieutenant Colonel John Frost, Commander of the 3rd Area Command, highlighted the dedication of his team during the relief efforts. “The 3rd Area Command has been instrumental in ensuring that our state’s emergency response efforts remain efficient and effective. Their work at the State Supply Warehouse is vital in getting much-needed supplies to those impacted by Hurricane Francine,” he said.
The warehouse operations have been running around the clock since the storm’s landfall, with Guard members ensuring that supplies are properly inventoried, packaged, and transported to distribution points. This effort highlights the Louisiana State Guard’s commitment to supporting state and local emergency management agencies during times of crisis.
Louisiana State Guard Assists in Emergency Supply Distribution for Hurricane Francine Recovery at Bayou Blue Fire Station in Houma, LA
Houma, LA – September 14, 2024 – In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Francine, the Louisiana State Guard (LASG), in partnership with the Louisiana National Guard’s 3rd Battalion, 156th Infantry Regiment, played a vital role in distributing emergency supplies at the Bayou Blue Fire Station in Houma, Louisiana. The recovery efforts involved the coordinated support of the LASG’s 1st, 2nd, and 4th Area Commands, ensuring the effective delivery of essential goods to those affected by the hurricane.
The operation, organized as a “POD” (Point of Distribution), provided crucial resources, including water, food, and ice, to the impacted residents of Terrebonne Parish. The 1st Area Command from Jackson Barracks, 2nd Area Command from the Gillis W. Long Center, and 4th Area Command from Camp Minden worked alongside the 3rd Battalion, 156th Infantry Brigade, to manage logistics and ensure that all relief efforts were carried out efficiently and safely.
Brigadier General Larry Benton, Commander of the Louisiana State Guard, praised the unified response. “The recovery from Hurricane Francine demands the best from all of us. The Louisiana State Guard is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Louisiana National Guard’s 3rd Battalion, 156th Infantry Brigade, in providing the critical support necessary for our communities to recover. Together, we’re making sure that essential supplies reach those in need.”
Hurricane Francine brought widespread damage across southern Louisiana, and the residents of Terrebonne Parish have been among the hardest hit. The Louisiana State Guard’s efforts, alongside their National Guard counterparts, ensured the smooth distribution of emergency supplies to those most affected by the disaster.
Louisiana State Guard sUAS Team Supports Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs Office with Aerial Assessments of POD Sites in Terrebonne Parish Amid Hurricane Francine
The Louisiana State Guard (LASG) Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) team has partnered with the Louisiana National Guard (LANG) Public Affairs Office to provide critical aerial assessments of Points of Distribution (POD) sites in Terrebonne Parish in response to Hurricane Francine.
With Hurricane Francine impacting the region, the LASG sUAS team is supporting LANG by capturing high-resolution aerial imagery and video footage, enabling swift and accurate evaluations of key distribution points for emergency supplies. These assessments are essential for determining the status of POD sites, ensuring the timely distribution of food, water, and other emergency resources to affected communities.
“This mission demonstrates the unique capabilities the Louisiana State Guard can bring to disaster response operations,” said Brigadier General Larry Benton, Commander of the Louisiana State Guard. “Our sUAS team’s ability to quickly deliver detailed aerial assessments allows the National Guard to make more informed decisions that ultimately improve the speed and efficiency of aid distribution.”
The partnership between the LASG and LANG Public Affairs is key in ensuring that the imagery and data collected help inform both operational and public awareness efforts. The detailed aerial views captured by the sUAS team will assist in identifying any logistical or infrastructural challenges POD sites might face due to storm damage or flooding.
Captain Mark Warriner, Louisiana State Guard sUAS pilot, emphasized the importance of their role: “Our ability to provide rapid, high-quality aerial assessments is critical in a disaster response. This collaboration enhances the National Guard’s capacity to keep the public informed and ensure the efficient operation of essential services in the wake of Hurricane Francine.”
Brigadier General Larry Benton, Commander of the Louisiana State Guard, conducted a debrief with members of the 1st, 2nd, and 4th Area Commands to review the Guard’s response to Hurricane Francine. The meeting focused on assessing operational effectiveness, discussing lessons learned, and identifying areas for improvement in future disaster response efforts.
During the debrief, General Benton promoted Specialist Blake Burratt to the rank of Corporal in recognition of his exceptional service during the hurricane. Additionally, General Benton presented his Coin of Excellence to both Corporal Burratt and Sergeant Sherry Villemarette for their outstanding efforts in the Hurricane Francine response.
“The dedication and swift actions of our Guardsmen during Hurricane Francine were instrumental in supporting state and local agencies,” said General Benton. “Today’s debrief allows us to reflect on our response, strengthen our capabilities, and ensure we remain ready for the next challenge. I’m proud to recognize the exceptional work of Corporal Burratt and Sergeant Villemarette, whose leadership and commitment made a significant impact.”
The debrief also emphasized the importance of continued collaboration with the Louisiana National Guard and other state agencies to enhance coordination and improve overall readiness.
The Louisiana State Guard remains a key asset in providing emergency response, logistical support, and essential services during crises. With the insights gained from Hurricane Francine, the Guard is committed to enhancing its ability to protect and serve the people of Louisiana.
Source: Lousiana State Guard – AP
