Politics: 18 striking photos of the US military saving lives after Hurricane Harvey

It's pretty clear the US military is doing plenty of good, and likely saving many lives in Texas.

The US military is on and above the ground in Texas.

After Hurricane Harvey devastated parts of the Gulf Coast and brought up to 50 inches of rain to parts of Houston, the US military and state National Guard joined in rescue and recovery efforts.

It's pretty clear from the photos that they are doing plenty of good, and likely saving many lives.

Here are 18 photos of troops carrying out a humanitarian mission here at home.

Texas Gov. Gregg Abbott called Harvey one "of the largest disasters America ever faced," and activated the state National Guard on Monday.

That meant bringing in plenty of boats ...

... and trucks that can make it through the high waters.

Coast Guard overflights have shown many areas underwater as they look for people seeking rescue.

Coast Guard rescue swimmers are doing plenty of that.

This Coast Guard helicopter was filled to the brim with survivors.

They'll likely be taken to shelters throughout Texas.

The Air National Guard is also on the scene with air support.

And the scale of the operation is much larger than most realize. The Coast Guard, for example, is sending personnel in from as far away as Miami.

That's to augment the amazing efforts of Texas National Guardsmen already there.

Gov. Abbott activated the entire Guard for rescue efforts, which is about 12,000 soldiers.

And they've saved everyone from the injured ...

... to the elderly ...

... and even pets.

But the efforts still continue. There have been at least 14 deaths confirmed, and officials expect there to be more.

But the military, along with other first responders, will be working to save lives and keep that number down.

Whether it's day ...

... Or night.

It's pretty clear the US military is doing plenty of good, and likely saving many lives in Texas. Read Full Story