PORT CLINTON, Ohio — The 200th Red Horse squadron of the Ohio Air National Guard will deploy to Puerto Rico to aid in relief efforts after the island experienced multiple earthquakes earlier this month.
Last week, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine issued a proclamation authorizing squadron members to assist with recovery until basic services in impacted areas are restored. About 25 members of the squad will be deployed for up to 90 days, WTOL-TV reported.
The governor said they plan to establish two disaster relief bed-down systems which are “deployable kits” that can provide basic housing and facilities such as tents and showers to up to 150 military personnel responding to the disaster.
Puerto Rico Gov. Wanda Vázquez Garced declared a state of emergency after the U.S. territory experienced a series of quakes and aftershocks, resulting in widespread damage and power failures.
DeWine’s proclamation allows the unit “to remain on active duty until the disaster recovery assistance is complete and an emergency no longer exists,” according to the statement.
