RICHMOND, Va. –
The Virginia National Guard mobilized approximately 55 personnel to provide water distribution support Jan. 10-11, 2025, to Richmond, Virginia, and also staged approximately 50 personnel to prepare for potential winter storm response at multiple locations across the state.
All troops were demobilized by Jan. 12, and the VNG returned to routine operations.
“It has been a busy week working alongside our local and state partners, and I think Virginia National Guard troops are doing a fantastic job as they wrapped up one snow response and quickly geared for water distribution and more snow,” said Brig. Gen. Todd Hubbard, VNG Director of the Joint Staff. “During domestic response operations, the National Guard can bring in tactical resources used for our federal mission that can help our fellow Virginians in times of need. In this situation, bulk water tanks used to support Soldiers in the field can provide citizens of Richmond with much-needed water.“
Hubbard visited troops at multiple locations in Richmond, and he said he was impressed by the positive attitudes and willingness to be of service.
“Our troops leave their homes and jobs on short notice to answer the call, and they do so willingly,” Hubbard said. “We are really indebted to our families and employers for their continued support.”
The VNG deployed 16 Soldiers operating six portable bulk water storage tanks with transport trucks to sites operated by Richmond, and they provided nearly 3,000 gallons of water.
Approximately 30 Soldiers and Airmen loaded tactical and commercial trucks with more than 3,200 cases of bottled water and distributed them to multiple locations in the city including directly to people’s homes.
Additional troops provided liaison with partner agencies to coordinate the water distribution support.
The VNG also staged approximately 50 personnel at VNG facilities at key locations along the I-95 and Route 29 corridors and Southwest Virginia in order to support the response to severe winter weather expected to impact Virginia. The personnel were ready to conduct missions and will link up with local emergency managers to provide assistance if needed.
VNG troops were organized into chain saw teams capable of reducing debris to help clear roads and power line routes, and troops also have heavy duty tactical trucks capable of traveling through deep snow.
An additional 20 Soldiers and members of the Virginia Defense Force were on duty to provide logistics, maintenance, and administrative support for the response teams at their staging locations. Soldiers and Airmen are also providing mission command support at the VNG's Joint Force Headquarters in Richmond.
The bulk water storage system is officially called the Load Handling System Compatible Water Tank Rack, but it is more commonly known as the Hippo.
The Hippo consists of a 2,000-gallon potable water tank with an integrated pump capable of pumping 125 gallons per minute. It is fully functional mounted or dismounted and ground transportable when full, partially full or empty. It is compatible with the Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck-Load Handling System, or HEMTT-LHS, and the Palletized Load System or PLS.
During domestic operations, the VNG responds as part of a multi-agency team to provide capabilities tasked by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. Localities request capabilities to VDEM, and VDEM determines which agency can best provide the requested assistance and tasks VNG when appropriate.
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