Gov. Hogan sends Maryland National Guard troops to Virgin Islands to help with hurricane relief

Gov. Larry Hogan said Monday that he has sent 100 Maryland National Guardsmen to the U.S. Virgin Islands to help with hurricane relief efforts.

The troops, from Catonsville’s 200th Military Police Company, will spend up to 30 days on the Caribbean islands helping local law enforcement and protecting important infrastructure.

The governor of the U.S. territory, home to 100,000 American citizens, requested the help from Maryland under an agreement that allows states and territories to coordinate emergency aid with one another.

The islands were hit by hurricanes Irma and Maria in September, leaving at least five people dead and forcing many from their homes. They are facing a slog to restore essential services and rebuild as they head into the economically vital tourist season.

Read more: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-md-national-guard-virgin-islands-20171023-story.html