Camp Shelby is prepared to assist in emergency response operations | Weather

The following is a press release from Camp Shelby:

The Adjutant General of Mississippi, Maj. Gen. Augustus L. Collins, has activated approximately 1,500 Mississippi National Guard Soldiers and Airmen in preparation to respond to the needs of coastal counties and communities by providing support security operations, search and rescue, debris removal and commodity distribution.

“Our Guard men and women always stand ready to support hurricane operations at a moment’s notice,” said Collins. “Our troops are trained, seasoned veterans who ready themselves to protect the citizens of our great state.”

Camp Shelby will serve as a staging and onward movement area for Mississippi National Guard troops along with other agencies and organizations aiding in emergency response and humanitarian assistance missions in the wake of the storm. Camp Shelby currently has approximately 4,000 troops training in preparation for deployment in support of overseas contingency operations.

Camp Shelby, which has traditionally been used as a hurricane shelter for civilians, will not be open to evacuees due to the large number of troops currently training here and the staging and onward movement of troops serving our state for disaster relief missions.

The Mississippi National Guard is "Always Ready and Always There" with personnel and equipment to assist our communities, state, and nation as the first military responders during a crisis.

Camp Shelby stands ready to support our state, our neighbors and the surrounding communities in anticipation for the arrival of Tropical Storm/Hurricane Isaac.