La. National Guard augmented by force-multiplier, La. State Guard, during Hurricane Francine response

By Staff Sgt. David C. Kirtland, Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs Office

NEW ORLEANS- The Louisiana State Guard played a vital role in supporting multiple operations during the response to Hurricane Francine. LASG provided small unmanned aerial system support to the Louisiana National Guard’s Public Affairs Office, assisted the tactical operations center of the 1-141st Field Artillery Battalion at Jackson Barracks in New Orleans, and helped the 3rd Battalion, 156th Infantry Regiment with point-of-distribution operations at the Bayou Blue Fire Department in Houma, La., from Sept. 11-15.

“During Hurricane Francine, the Louisiana State Guard played a critical role in supporting emergency operations across the State,” explained Capt. (LASG) Daniel Stoute, public affairs officer for the LSAG. “Our teams assisted in warehouse logistics, POD site operations and sUAS missions, ensuring that vital resources were distributed quickly and efficiently. We worked hand-in-hand with the Louisiana National Guard to provide relief to communities impacted by the storm.”

Additionally, a LASG chaplain collaborated with the 1-141st to provide spiritual and emotional support to Soldiers and responders operating in Terrebonne Parish. This holistic approach ensured that LASG’s coordination with the LANG and other state agencies efficiently delivered essential resources to the communities impacted by Hurricane Francine.

The mission of the LASG is to build and maintain a well-organized force ready to support the LANG and the Louisiana Military Department during emergency response operations, under the direction of the adjutant general. LASG members bring specialized skills and experience that serve as valuable assets to LANG and LMD. The governor of Louisiana, as commander-in-chief, may partially or fully activate the LASG in response to declared disasters or other major events.

“The Louisiana State Guard is a dedicated, state-led force of volunteers with a wide range of skills, committed to supporting our communities in times of crisis,” said Brig. Gen. (LASG) Larry Benton, commander of the LASG. “During Hurricane Francine, we were mobilized to assist the Louisiana National Guard as a force multiplier in emergency response efforts, ensuring that vital resources reached those in need and reinforcing our mission to safeguard the citizens of Louisiana in the face of disaster.”

Headquartered at Jackson Barracks, the LASG conducts monthly drills, focusing on operations and logistics to support state and parish emergency efforts during disasters. In 2005, LASG members were mobilized to assist response efforts following Hurricane Katrina.

While retaining its mission to provide key logistical and administrative support to the LANG’s major installations during emergency responses, the LASG has expanded its role to include supporting LANG’s Joint Operations Center in Pineville, the Tactical Command Post at Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness in Baton Rouge, and the LMD at Gillis W. Long Center in Carville.

As the LASG advances its emergency response capabilities, the lessons learned during Hurricane Francine provide a solid foundation for future operations. Looking ahead, the LASG aims to strengthen its collaboration with the LANG and other state agencies to optimize support roles and reduce response times. Anyone interested in joining the State Guard should visit https://geauxguard.la.gov/ for more information.