A Coast Guard flood punt team assists with search and rescue efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in Hastings, Florida, Sept. 12, 2017. (U.S. Coast Guard courtesy photo by Chief Warrant Officer Andrew Matthews)
MEMPHIS, Tenn.- Members from Coast Guard Sector Lower Mississippi River assisted with Hurricane Harvey response efforts and now many of them are in Jacksonville, Florida, assisting for Hurricane Irma, Wednesday.
Sector Lower Mississippi River deployed a crew with six flood punt boats to Houston in support of the Hurricane Harvey response.
Throughout their 12-day deployment, they worked closely with federal, state and local partners to rescue more than 350 people.
They also completed more than 300 wellness checks by going door to door to verify the safety of individuals who remained in their homes.
“In a time of tragedy, it was quite satisfying to have such a powerful sense of duty to be helping so many people in desperate need of assistance,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Clement, a crewmember who assisted in the response.
Following Harvey, most of the original team members, along with additional Coast Guard active duty and reservist members, traveled to Florida in response to Hurricane Irma. The 24-person team there is continuing rescue efforts in Jacksonville. They are working with other agencies to do their part in making the affected communities whole again.
For imagery and video of the Hurricane Irma response, please visit our Flicker page.
