FRANKFORT, Ky. — In addition to keeping Frankfort's Capitol building secure next week, the Kentucky National Guard is sending 270 troops to Washington, D.C. to aid security efforts ahead of President-Elect Joe Biden's inauguration.

Gov. Andy Beshear announced the move during his COVID-19 briefing on Thursday. Kentucky's soldiers and airmen will be deployed this weekend along with Service members from over a dozen other states.

“The brave men and women of the Kentucky National Guard will once again proudly serve the commonwealth and the country in the coming days as they assist in and around Washington, D.C., during the presidential inauguration,” Beshear said. “The peaceful transfer of power is crucial to our democracy. After the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol and lawmakers, it is necessary that we ensure safety and security. I was proud to authorize this request for aid and am proud our soldiers and airmen will take part in the mission.”

Brig. Gen. Hal Lamberton, the Adjutant General of Kentucky, said Service members will have a variety of roles and responsibilities, including supporting civil authorities for immediate response capabilities, food service assistance, and chaplain care.

"Our Guardsmen will help provide much-needed support to the nation as we swear in a new president Wednesday," Lamberton said. "Our Soldiers and Airmen are of the highest caliber, and it's my honor to be able to provide them an opportunity to serve in this capacity. We are grateful to the families and employers of these service members as well. We couldn't be successful without their unwavering support for all of our missions."

Gov. Andy Beshear authorized the National Guard support on Thursday after a request from the National Guard Bureau sought additional personnel to support law enforcement and the Washington, D.C., National Guard.

14 states in the nation are providing some type of support to the Inauguration, with thousands of Guardsmen scheduled to be in attendance.

"The National Guard has a long and proud history of inauguration support," said Gen. Daniel Hokanson, chief of the National Guard Bureau. "The forefathers of today's National Guard were present for the inauguration of George Washington, and we have been part of every inauguration since."

Soldiers and Airmen assisting the Inauguration will remain under the control of the Kentucky governor under Title 32, 502 (f) orders. Civilian law enforcement officers are responsible for the safety and security of all personnel, and the National Guard will provide assistance as requested.