February 27, 2025
MEDIA CONTACT
Sierra Dean
STARKE, Fla.—Today, at Camp Blanding, Governor Ron DeSantis highlighted many impressive accomplishments of the Florida State Guard in the short time they’ve been established.
“We re-established the Florida State Guard in 2022 to act as a force multiplier for state, local, and federal public safety and emergency response efforts. Today at Camp Blanding, I was proud to highlight their accomplishments and thank them for their service over the last two years,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “From search and rescue to disaster clean up, the Florida State Guard has demonstrated immense value. We look forward to the continued growth of our State Guard and all the good work they will do for our people."
In the last year, the Florida State Guard (FSG) achieved a 425% growth in personnel, established three new operational units, initiated five construction projects to support statewide posture requirements, and deployed forces ten times throughout Florida, Texas, and North Carolina in support of emergency management and public safety operations. Today, the Florida State Guard stands as a year-round air, land, and sea-capable force with a projected year-end strength of 1,000 Soldiers prepared to protect, defend, and preserve the life and property of the people of Florida from all threats to public safety. FSG Accomplishments:
During their first activation in 75 years, FSG deployed to 9 impacted counties in Florida’s Panhandle to conduct damage assessments; survey inland, coastal and offshore waterways for public safety threats, survivors, overturned vessels and infrastructure damage; and provide more than 4,000 hot meals to impacted Floridians.
FSG Aviation Response Squadron equipped and trained 12 drone teams and received the first three of their 12 aircraft, increasing capability to support airborne damage assessments, maritime interdiction, medical evacuation assistance, disaster relief, and search and rescue operations
FSG Special Missions Unit developed a new K-9 program in partnership with state and county law enforcement agencies to augment search and rescue capabilities- successfully conducting over 300 search and rescue missions this past hurricane season.
The ground unit, the Crisis Response Battalion, advanced its route clearance and search and rescue capabilities through the addition of earth-moving equipment and state-of-the-art amphibious rescue vehicles.
FSG Maritime Response Squadron expanded from four to fifteen boat teams, improving their capabilities to support waterway reconnaissance and disaster relief throughout rivers and inland waterways, and received its first of six offshore vessels to support deep-water, long-range maritime operations.
In support of Operation VIGILANT SENTRY, members of the FSG aviation unit joined the Florida Department of Law Enforcement as Tactical Flight Officers to identify and defend Florida’s coastal waters from suspicious activities, accruing over 150+ flight hours.
From April to June, 100+ FSG Soldiers deployed to Eagle Pass, Texas in support of Operation LONE STAR to protect the U.S. Southern Border from the nefarious criminal activity associated with illegal immigration by removing, replacing, and installing over three miles of panel walls, 12,000 feet of hasty and deliberate C-wire, and additional deterrence infrastructure.
In the most recent hurricane season, over 600 FSG members partnered with the Florida Division of Emergency Management, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Florida Highway Patrol, and the Florida National Guard to conduct more than 300 search and rescue missions and 220 health and welfare checks. These soldiers were on the ground in 43 of Florida’s 67 counties conducting search and rescue operations and delivering over 2,000 meals and over 3,600 liters of water to Floridians impacted by Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton.
Following Hurricane Helene, FSG was deployed to North Carolina under Operation BLUE RIDGE. This included the deployment of two special missions search and rescue teams who braved 4 counties in North Carolina disaster zones for 7 days to rescue Americans stranded by the sudden surge waters and downed debris. FSG was able to provide life-saving aid to survivors within impacted communities who might not have been able to wait for help otherwise, which included a joint operation to airlift an eleven-day-old infant to the hospital.
ABOUT FLORIDA STATE GUARD | WHEN DISASTER CALLS, WE ANSWER.
Reconstituted by Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature in 2022, the Florida State Guard’s air, ground, and maritime units are force multipliers for statewide emergency response and public safety. The Florida State Guard is committed to protecting the life and property of Floridians from all threats to public safety. For more information, visit https://www.floridastateguard.org/ . Connect with the Florida State Guard on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.
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