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US Coast Guard in Detroit to assist with search and rescue efforts for Hurricane Florence

Posted at 5:16 PM, Sep 13, 2018
and last updated 2018-09-13 17:16:18-04

Often local members of the U.S. Coast Guard respond to hurricanes.

As Hurricane Florence makes its way towards the Carolinas, members of the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Detroit have left to help.

“Search and rescue crews consist of two pilots, pilot and co-pilot, a hoist operator and a search-and-rescue swimmer,” said Lt. Molly Smith.

During Hurricane Harvey, the local station sent five members who were credited for saving seven lives.

Six members were sent during Hurricane Irma and twelve for Hurricane Nate.

The Coast Guard training is consistent nationally, so crews can work with other members in different locations.

The need at home and in hard hit areas determine how many members will be sent.

“The area is prepared that we can still cover our local area responsibilities," Smith said. "We do not want to abandon the community here.”

It’s unclear when the crews will return to Michigan. It will depend on how much damage the hurricane causes.