US Defense Department Begins Withdrawing Troops Deployed For Hurricane Florence

WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 21st September, 2018) Service members deployed to cope with Hurricane Florence are beginning to return to regular military duties, the US Department of Defense said in a press release on Friday.

"Active duty soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines, as well as those military assets not actively being employed in rescue operations, such as the Navy's Amphibious Readiness Group, with Marines embarked from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, are positioning back to their home stations where they will continue preparation for their upcoming deployments and other military operations," the release said.

The Defense Department responded to the storm by deploying the National Guard, US Army Corps of Engineers, Defence Logistics Agency and by service members at local military installations.

At least 42 deaths have now been attributed to Hurricane Florence, according to published reports.