Governor Chris Christie today approved the deployment of New Jersey Army National Guard soldiers to provide emergency response support for people expected to be impacted by Hurricane Irma in Florida.

Citizens Soldiers from the 253rd Transportation Company, a historic unit in Cape May outfitted with high-wheeled vehicles, will depart from their home armory in two stages and are expected to arrive at Camp Blanding in Central Florida and as early as Friday.

“We are likely sending in excess of 100 soldiers to participate in this emergency response and rescue mission for Hurricane Irma victims in Florida, and beyond the numbers, these are highly experienced and trained men and women who served on the front lines during Hurricane Irene and Superstorm Sandy,” Governor Christie said. “Our thoughts, prayers and necessary available resources are with all of those in Florida who are bracing for impact.”

The 253rd was among the first National Guard units in the nation called to active duty for the 1991 Persian Gulf War and later Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. This unit has participated in all major domestic operations in New Jersey, including Irene and Sandy.