Pennsylvania National Guard troops work to treat simulated causalities in the Homeland Response Force Exercise evaluation for the 55th Brigade HRF, 28th Infantry Division on Aug. 21, 2014. 55th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division

FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. – Pennsylvania National Guard units are ready to assume the FEMA Region III Homeland Response Force mission following a year of preparation and a week-long external evaluation exercise at Fort Indiantown Gap. The three-year mission will provide regional chemical, biological, radiation and nuclear response assets intended to mitigate suffering and loss of life following an environmental, accidental or terrorist disaster event. The 55th Armor Brigade Combat Team, based in Scranton, is the command and control element of the Homeland Response Force. Other elements of the force are composed of Army and Air National Guard units based in Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Allentown, Kingston, Middletown, Willow Grove, Coraopolis and State College. Soldiers and airmen conducted realistic training including search and rescue, decontamination, and medical treatment. If mobilized, they would be working alongside firefighters, police and other emergency responders, providingadditional manpower and expertise. These units will officially assume the mission following final approval through the National Guard Bureau and U.S. Northern Command. The units will be prepared to deploy within 18 hours to disasters in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware and Washington, D.C.