SC National Guard Hurricane Matthew Emergency Response

A South Carolina National Guard’s CH-47F Chinook, heavy-lift, helicopter assigned to Detachment 1, Company B, 2-238th General Support Aviation Battalion, 59th Aviation Troop Command, performs pre-mission tests on a “long-line” for recovery of heavy loads, in preparation for Hurricane Matthew recovery efforts, Oct. 7, 2016, McEntire Joint National Guard Base, Eastover, S.C. Approximately 1,400 South Carolina National Guard Soldiers and Airmen were activated Oct. 4, 2016. Their primary mission is supporting state and county emergency management agencies and local first responders with coastal evacuations and any services or resources needed to assist the citizens of South Carolina after Governor Nikki Haley declared a State of Emergency. Hurricane Matthew peaked as a Category 4 hurricane in the Caribbean and was projected to pass along the S.C. coast. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Roberto Di Giovine/Released)