From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
MONTGOMERY — At the request of President Donald Trump’s administration, Governor Kay Ivey deployed five personnel and a helicopter from the Alabama National Guard to the Southwest border to assist the Texas National Guard and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
“Alabama is committed to ensuring the safety and security of our nation. We have the greatest group of service men and women in the country,” Ivey said in a statement. “The Alabama National Guard stands ready to answer the call and we are proud to assist in the Southwest border mission.”
A UH-72A Lakota helicopter manned by members of A Company, 1-114th Aviation Battalion from Birmingham will be deployed on Tuesday. Kay’s office stated that the helicopter will be used to track and observe illegal activity in the area. The deployment also came at the suggestion of Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Sheryl Gordon.
“The Alabama National Guard is always ready to assist our friends and partners on the border and continue the ongoing mission for homeland security,” Gordon said. “We’re proud our soldiers are mentally and physically equipped to handle the challenges of the task.”