NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee National Guard said Friday it’s prepared to work alongside emergency responders during the total solar eclipse.

A spokesperson for the National Guard said as thousands of visitors flock to the state to witness the historic eclipse, soldiers and airmen will work with the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency to support local and state authorities as they are needed.

“This is part of the Guard’s dual mission”, Maj. Gen. Max Haston, Tennessee’s Adjutant General said. “We not only fight America’s wars, but are available here at home to respond as part of our domestic operations mission. We are well prepared to move throughout the state as needed to assist in any mission deemed critical by the Governor.”

Tennessee’s National Guard said it has more than 13,000 soldiers and airmen throughout the state from Memphis to Mountain City.

“If something catastrophic were to happen, we would work side by side with local authorities,” Haston said.

The National Guard has prepositioned equipment and is prepared to go at any moment if needed during the eclipse.