The 101st Airborne Air Assault Division is on its way to Puerto Rico Wednesday as part of the Defense Department’s Defense Support of Civil Authorities mission to support Hurricane Maria relief.
The group, dubbed Team Medevac, consists of more than 70 personnel and eight Blackhawk helicopters.
Although the division relocated many of its assets in preparation to support Hurricane Irma relief efforts, this deployment marks the first instance of hurricane relief in the 101st Airborne Division's75-year history, according to a release.
Lt. Col. Martin O'Donnell said, "The 101st Airborne Division has responded to numerous civil emergencies, but this is the first time we have supported commonwealth and federal officials to provide hurricane relief."
Major General Andrew Poppas said “there is no nobler task [...] than people helping people.” Poppas said the undertaking speaks to the readiness of the division and "its ability to accomplish any mission, at any time and in any place."
