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PHOENIX (AP) - 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 help load Salt River Project and Arizona Public Service line crews, support staff and their vehicles onto Air Force planes at Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix.

SRP and APS crews and support staff were preparing to leave for New York Friday to help the Long Island Power Authority restore power. SRP will be sending 62 employees equipped with line trucks, hole diggers, and wire pulling equipment. APS will be sending 36 employees equipped with bucket trucks and boom trucks.

Pictured: KC-135 Stratotankers fill the ramp in support on an annual training exercise March 21, 2012 at the 161st Air Refueling Wing, Phoenix. The 161 ARW serves as the tanker base for units from Kansas, Wisconsin, Maine, Nebraska, New Jersey Tennessee, New Hampshire and Utah. (Photo by Senior Airman Rashaunda Williams/Released)