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COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- The South Carolina National Guard is sending troops to Virginia to help deal with the effects of Hurricane Irene.

Maj. Cindi King said Saturday that 20 soldiers are being sent from McEntire Joint National Guard Base in Eastover to Richmond, Va., to help with storm recovery efforts.

The soldiers will help locate aviation equipment that could be used to help with the storm response.

The unit will provide command and control services and train with other states' National Guard units.

South Carolina's National Guard has not been mobilized for Irene, but Gov. Nikki Haley has signed an order authorizing three National Guard helicopters to help with efforts in North Carolina.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)