Arizona sends crews from Salt River Project, Arizona Public Service to help Sandy victims

PHOENIX - The Arizona Air National Guard is heading to the East Coast to help victims of Superstorm Sandy.

Gov. Jan Brewer says the Guard's 161st Air Refueling Wing will support utility companies with power restoration efforts.

The 161st wing will facilitate the loading and transportation of Salt River Project and Arizona Public Service line crews, support staff and required vehicles in efforts to restore power in the aftermath of this week's storm.

Guardsmen from the 161st have established around-the-clock operations to support more than 20 Air Force planes expected to fly in and out of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to transport personnel, vehicles and equipment for the mission.

Crews will first help clean-up the downed lines and poles and then start to rebuild the power system, ABC15 was told.

They plan on being there for about two weeks.

Workers said they've dealt with emergency situations after big dust storms in the Valley and wildfires, but they've never been in a situation quite like this one.