Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey announced on Thursday she was deploying the National Guard to Florida to help the response following Hurricane Milton and to offer additional assistance with recovery efforts in North Carolina after Hurricane Helene.

The announcement stated that a 57-person Type III Urban Search & Rescue Task Force will be deployed to Florida.

A 16-person team from the 20th Special Forces group will be deployed to North Carolina following an initial authorization of National Guard members several weeks ago by Ivey. Members of the 169th Aviation Regiment and two CH-47 Chinook helicopters are also being activated to assist in the recovery efforts.

“Alabamians do not hesitate to lend help when our neighbors are in need. I am proud we have the Alabama National Guard and first responders supporting the efforts in both North Carolina and Florida,” Ivey said.

“I pray for the safety of our Alabama Guard, first responders, linemen and other volunteers, and I pray for all the states recovering from these devastating hurricanes.”

Alabama National Guard Adjutant General David Pritchett said that they were committed to providing support to help the affected communities recover.

“Days like today are why these Soldiers joined the National Guard,” Pritchett said.

“So many of us have friends and loved ones directly affected by both Helene and Milton. It’s a privilege to put this uniform on and show up when our country, states and communities need us most. We’re dedicated to providing all the support we can to see these resilient communities bounce back.”