Austin pledges Pentagon aid for hurricane victims

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Thursday his department is working to provide urgent support to those affected by Hurricane Ian.

Lloyd Austin, U.S. Defense Secretary  said The Department is working closely to support FEMA, the National Guard and NORTHCOM to provide urgently needed support for the communities in the path of the destruction. I lived in Florida for many years myself, and we stand together with everyone there.

 The defense chief said many service members and their families have had their lives disrupted by the deadly storm. Ian regained hurricane strength Thursday evening over the Atlantic. The National Hurricane Center predicted it would hit South Carolina as a Category 1 hurricane Friday.