Governor Rell Announces Connecticut Sending

National Guard Planes, Crew to Gulf Coast

                Governor M. Jodi Rell announced today that Connecticut is providing two National Guard planes and their crews to the Gulf Coast to assist in the aftermath of Hurricane Gustav.

          The C-21 cargo and passenger planes, each with a crew of two, are from the Connecticut Air Guard’s 103^rd Airlift Wing, based at Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks. They are scheduled fly out early Tuesday morning for Louisiana.

          “Who can ever forget the 2005 devastation from Katrina?  As this latest hurricane approached, the Connecticut National Guard stood at the ready to help and is able to quickly respond,” Governor Rell said.

          The Governor has also placed 200 members of the Connecticut National Guard on alert to assist with Hurricane Gustav. She said a Guard helicopter and two crews are also on alert status.

          Governor Rell said the Connecticut National Guard’s hurricane mission will be paid for by the federal government. President Bush, on Sunday, authorized federal funds for up to 50,000 National Guard troops from around the country.

          “We are relieved to hear that the storm weakened by the time it reached the New Orleans area,“ Governor Rell said. “We know the men and women of the Connecticut Guard, among the best trained in the nation, will provide much-needed help and support to the citizens there.”