Active-duty forces mobilized to address the catastrophic aftermath of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina will return to their regular assignments this week, per a Pentagon update. The response force, comprising approximately 1,000 troops from the XVIII Airborne Corps, 82nd Airborne Division, and other units out of Fort Liberty, played a crucial role in the initial disaster response efforts, as Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh confirmed.
The mission has been a significant show of military and humanitarian aid in North Carolina, where the storm claimed over 200 lives across the Southeast. Over the past weeks, troops have executed over 100 ground and 70 air missions, delivering nearly 500 tons of humanitarian supplies, including 154,415 gallons of water and roughly 20,000 meals, while clearing 660 miles of road to reestablish essential access. Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon’s lead spokesperson, emphasized that while active-duty forces will withdraw gradually, the federal response, coordinated with FEMA and U.S. Northern Command, remains fully committed.
The National Guard, with upwards of 3,000 personnel, continues to support the region, addressing the compounded impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which swept through Florida shortly after. Ryder reiterated that federal, state, and local entities are still engaged, focusing on rebuilding infrastructure and supporting long-term recovery efforts.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has underscored the increased frequency and severity of such climate-driven events and their prolonged impact on military and civilian communities.
