Reserve Marines from units in Florida and Alabama are poised to support FEMA, state and local response efforts in anticipation of Hurricane Irma’s land fall. Currently, 3rd Force Reconnaissance Company, based in Mobile, Alabama, 4th Assault Amphibian Vehicle (AAV) Battalion, based in Tampa and Jacksonville, Florida and Combat Logistics Battalion-451, based in Orlando, Florida are preparing to provide support. The preparations ensure Marine Forces Reserve is ready to respond to any requests to bolster Northern Command's support of FEMA's assistance to federal, state and local authorities' ongoing relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. 

“These are local Marines who live and work in these communities, and they have a deeply-vested interest in helping their neighbors during this dangerous storm,” said Lt. Gen. Rex C. McMillian, commander of Marine Forces Reserve.

Marine Forces Reserve AAV and Recon assets played a critical role during Hurricane Harvey’s relief operations, conducting a number of immediate response missions. In total, the Marine Forces Reserve rescued 1,265 victims, conducted 1,166 welfare checks, delivered 25,500 lbs. of supplies for the American Red Cross and transported 6,000 lbs. of food, water and bedding in support of the U.S. Coast Guard. 

The units are organized as a Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force (SPMAGTF). The MAGTF is the Marine Corps’ principal organization for conducting missions across the range of military operations, including Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief (HADR) across the globe in which the Marine Corps has a great deal of expertise. 

Photos, videos and other content on the response and relief efforts are available at https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/hurricaneirma. Media interested in covering Marine Forces Reserve operations should contact Maj. Andrew Aranda at 504-697-8309 or Capt. Andrew Chrestman at 504-697-8176.