Minnesota National Guard’s Camp Ripley Training Center damaged by severe weather

September 8, 2016 (CAMP RIPLEY, Minnesota) — Camp Ripley received significant storm damage after 10:00 p.m. on September 7, 2016, as storm cells passed through Morrison County. There were no injuries caused by the severe weather, though several buildings used for housing, training and maintenance received major damage. There was also major damage to the nearly completed 10-megawatt solar array that was set to be dedicated next week. The dedication has been postponed to a yet to be determined future date.

“We were extremely fortunate, all our people are safe,” said Col. Scott St. Sauver, Camp Ripley Garrison Commander. “We can repair buildings and replace damaged equipment, but our people are irreplaceable.”

Damage assessments continue today, but most damage consist of collapsed roofs, fallen trees, debris and damaged vehicles throughout garrison areas of Camp Ripley.