North Dakota Guard mobilizes for flood duty

  • Published
  • By American Forces Press Service
FARGO, N.D. (AFNS) --  North Dakota National Guard officials mobilized Airmen and Soldiers to begin flood operations for seven of the state's southeastern counties March 15 and 16.

The Red River in eastern North Dakota and western Minnesota is expected to crest about 20 feet above flood stage and three feet below last year's record crest by March 20.

The guardsmen will serve in Steele, Traill, Barnes, Cass, Ransom, Sargent and Richland counties. More  300 to 400 guardsmen will be mobilized "with boots on the ground" (March 16), said Col. Ronald Solberg, the North Dakota National Guard's emergency operations commander for Region 4, which includes those counties. 

Working in 12-hour shifts, the Guardsmen will conduct a variety of flood-related missions, including traffic control, logistical and supply support, sandbagging and creating rows of barriers.

"Airmen and Soldiers will begin traffic control points in Lisbon and Fargo (March 15)," Colonel Solberg said.