US Military to Deploy 1,000 Soldiers for Hurricane Helene Relief

U.S. soldiers assigned to the Valdosta Army Recruiting Center in Valdosta, Ga. join state and local officials to distribute food and water to those affected by Hurricane Helene, on Oct. 1, 2024. The soldiers coordinated, organized, and distributed supplies from point-of-distribution centers to smaller communities that have limited access to water, food or other essential supplies. They distributed supplies in Lowdnes and Ware counties and will continue the mission of providing aid to those in need in the surrounding areas. 

WASHINGTON – The Secretary of Defense has approved a request from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to deploy 1,000 active-duty soldiers for Hurricane Helene relief efforts in North Carolina. These soldiers will provide essential support in delivering critical aid, including food and water, to affected communities.

The deployed soldiers are part of a specialized task force comprised of various units from the XVIII Airborne Corps, including members of the 82nd Airborne, stationed at Fort Liberty, N.C. This task force is equipped with the necessary resources to support FEMA’s stabilization efforts in affected communities.

The deployment of these soldiers will bolster ongoing relief efforts, enabling FEMA and other agencies to reach the most severely impacted areas quickly. Their mission will involve distributing supplies to isolated communities, managing supply logistics, and clearing debris to facilitate the recovery process.

To ensure efficient command and communication, Brig. Gen. Charles Morrison of the North Carolina Army National Guard has been appointed as the Dual Status Commander for North Carolina. This designation allows Morrison to command both active-duty and National Guard troops while serving at both federal and state levels.

This deployment is part of a broader, coordinated response to Hurricane Helene involving over 6,500 National Guard members from 12 states. These service members have been providing crucial assistance to hurricane survivors in collaboration with other federal, state, and local partners.

These soldiers are in addition to the support the Department of Defense is already providing to FEMA for the response to Hurricane Helene.

The additional support features U.S. Army and Navy helicopters and personnel, providing essential transport capabilities in regions where traditional road access is compromised. Furthermore, Air Force aircraft and airmen are actively involved in search-and-rescue operations.

The Army’s high-wheeled vehicles are crucial for navigating through damaged or inaccessible terrain to deliver necessary supplies. The Army Corps of Engineers is also playing a vital role, deploying Temporary Power Teams and experts to assist with debris removal, managing water and wastewater systems, and conducting bridge inspections.

The Pentagon also activated 22 helicopters for search and rescue operations and provided numerous high-water vehicles. Notably, 700 National Guard members from North Carolina are also engaged in debris removal and rescue operations, supported by National Guard units from eight other states under Emergency Mutual Assistance Compacts.

These efforts are part of a larger federal response involving over 4,800 personnel from various agencies, including more than 1,200 stationed in North Carolina. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has declared public health emergencies in multiple states, facilitating enhanced medical services and deploying National Disaster Medical System teams and Federal ambulances to provide critical healthcare services.

FEMA has distributed over 8.5 million meals, 7 million liters of water, 150 generators, and 220,000 tarps, underscoring the extensive federal commitment to the recovery efforts following this unprecedented storm.