Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder has issued a statement regarding the Department of Defense's involvement in the response to Hurricane Helene. The Department is working in coordination with FEMA and North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, alongside local, state, and federal partners.
Nearly 1,000 soldiers from Fort Liberty in North Carolina and Fort Campbell in Kentucky have been deployed to assist those affected by the hurricane in Western North Carolina. These troops are collaborating with FEMA to distribute essential supplies to areas designated by the agency and are helping clear emergency routes. Additionally, rotary wing aircraft have been sent to aid these efforts.
The deployment of these soldiers aims to bolster manpower and logistics capabilities for emergency responders, facilitating swift access to severely impacted regions.
Furthermore, at Governor Cooper's request and in collaboration with FEMA, an additional 500 troops equipped with advanced technological assets will be deployed. This will increase the number of active-duty soldiers on the ground to approximately 1,500.
The National Guard has activated over 6,100 Guardsmen from 18 states along with hundreds of high-water vehicles and numerous helicopters and rescue boats. These units are providing critical support across the affected areas.
Additionally, the US Army Corps of Engineers has set up 12 Emergency Operations Centers throughout the southeast United States, including three in North Carolina. They are conducting various assessments related to power needs, water systems, bridges, roads, and debris removal across multiple states.
The Department of Defense remains committed to supporting FEMA and other government relief efforts as they address the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
