Kentucky Army National Guard deploys to US Virgin Islands

Hurricane Irma left a trail of death and destruction in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Kentucky Army National Guard is deploying to help.

"Kentucky's aviators and crew members are highly trained in their craft and fully prepared to provide support to our neighbor states," said Col. Dwayne Lewis, commander of the 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade.  

A C-17 transport plane loaded with approximately 20 troops and two Blackhawk helicopters left Louisville Thursday afternoon around 4 p.m. to help with search and rescue operations. Frankfort's 63rd Theater Aviation Brigade recently returned from Texas providing aviation logistical support for Hurricane Harvey’s response.

The Category 5 storm howled past Puerto Rico and headed toward the Dominican Republic and Haiti on its way to Florida. 

At least 10 people have died and authorities are struggling to get aid to small Caribbean islands devastated by the storm’s record 185 mph winds, USA TODAY reports. Barbuda's prime minister called the island "barely habitable" and St. Martin, an island split between French and Dutch control, experienced such extensive damage that parts of it were completely destroyed.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they work to assist residents who have been affected by Hurricane Irma and the potential historic devastation in the Caribbean and Southern Atlantic states," Lewis said.

Reach Reporter Thomas Novelly at 502-582-4465 or by email at tnovelly@courier-journal.com. Follow him on Twitter @TomNovelly.

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