WASHINGTON — The Virgin Islands National Guard arrived Sunday at the National Capital Region to support federal and District authorities leading up to the 59th Presidential Inauguration.
Virgin Islands soldiers and airmen join other states, territories to the District of Columbia to support law enforcement agencies to ensure a safe transition of power for President-elect Joe Biden and outgoing President Donald Trump.
VING deployed approximately 100 to 120 members to D.C. to assist with crowd management.
National Guard civil support missions generally assist with:
• Supporting civil authorities whose capabilities are insufficient to meet current requirements.
• Protecting the life, property, and safety of U.S. citizens.
• Protecting critical U.S. infrastructure.
• Providing humanitarian assistance during disaster response and domestic emergencies.
• Providing support to designated law enforcement activities and operations.
• Providing support to designated events and other activities.
Along with supporting the 59th Presidential Inauguration, the Virgin Islands National Guard said it has been “continuously” engaged with providing support to the V.I. Department of Health with; COVID-19 testing, patient transportation, airport screenings, beach public safety announcements, and vaccine transportation.