Active-Duty Troops Wrap Up Hurricane Relief in North Carolina as National Guard Continues Efforts

The Pentagon has announced that active-duty soldiers deployed to assist with relief efforts following Hurricane Helene's devastation in North Carolina will return to their regular assignments this week. Sabrina Singh, a spokesperson for the Pentagon, confirmed on Thursday that the mission for active-duty personnel involved in aid delivery has concluded.

‍

Singh stated that the active-duty troops who supported North Carolina during Hurricane Helene are completing their mission and returning home. "Throughout their deployment, they delivered critical assistance to the individuals most impacted."

‍

According to Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, the relief efforts conducted by active-duty personnel encompassed more than 100 ground missions and 70 air missions, distributing nearly 500 tons of humanitarian supplies. This assistance amounted to 154,415 gallons of water and 20,000 meals, in addition to the troops' clearance of debris from 660 miles of roads.

‍

Ryder noted that although active-duty personnel are transitioning out, the federal response continues to be in effect. "The National Guard, FEMA, and various federal, state, and local agencies continue to address immediate needs, rebuild infrastructure, and support long-term recovery," he stated. More than 3,000 National Guardsmen remain engaged in recovery operations following Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, which impacted Florida earlier this month.

‍

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has identified climate change as a critical threat to military operations, referencing historical weather-related impacts on bases and training schedules. In 2021, Austin stated that lasting security for any nation is unattainable without addressing the climate crisis.

‍

The recent deployment involved units from Fort Liberty’s XVIII Airborne Corps and the 82nd Airborne Division mobilized to assist Helene, which resulted in over 200 fatalities in the Southeast.

‍