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DOD Remains Engaged in Hurricane Response, Recovery Efforts

Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, who briefed the news media today, said the National Guard has more than 1,100 troops and over 100 high-water vehicles and helicopters from three states mobilized for the response and recovery mission following Hurricane Milton.

Two soldiers help a civilian climb up and into the open back of a military vehicle.
Giving a Lift
Soldiers assigned to the Florida Army National Guard's 1448th Chemical Company assist in high-water rescue missions in Seminole County, Fla., Oct. 10, 2024. The Florida National Guard remains committed to ensuring the safety of residents in the areas most affected by Hurricane Milton.
Credit: Army courtesy photo by Maj. James Suber
VIRIN: 240925-A-A5037-7900R
An aerial view of a waterfront neighborhood with visible flooding.
Milton Aftermath
Florida National Guard soldiers assigned to the 1-111th General Support Aviation Battalion conduct flight operations along the west coast of Florida while supporting Hurricane Milton response efforts, Oct. 10, 2024. Guardsmen provided air capabilities to support search and rescue missions following the storm's landfall.
Credit: Army Sgt. N.W. Huertas
VIRIN: 241010-A-RH401-9810R
A truck with passengers moves over a flooded street on an overcast day.
High-Water Rescue
Florida National Guardsmen assigned to the 1448th Chemical Company, 448th Chemical Battalion assist in high-water rescue missions in Altamonte Springs, Fla., Oct. 10, 2024.
Credit: Army Capt. Jacob Bassette
VIRIN: 241010-A-A5037-2298

Additionally, there are about 270 people working nine Army Corps of Engineers mission assignments, including temporary roof support, infrastructure assessment, debris control, flood response and more, he said. 

In response to Hurricane Helene, about 2,000 National Guard troops from nine states have been mobilized, along with 65 high-water vehicles, and eight helicopters, Ryder said. 

An airman holds a cable while being lowered from a helicopter in a wooded area.
Perfect Practice
An airman practices rappelling from an HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter during Hurricane Helene relief operations in Tennessee, Oct. 2, 2024.
Credit: Air Force Staff Sgt. Abbey Rieves
VIRIN: 241002-F-DX569-2003A
A soldier hands a box to a soldier standing on top of parked vehicle in front of a church as fellow soldiers line up with boxes.
Loading Up
Soldiers load supplies for the community in the wake of Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina, Oct. 8, 2024.
Credit: Army Master Sgt. Anthony Hewitt
VIRIN: 241008-A-YM157-1003M
A soldier wearing a helmet and headset looks out from a helicopter as it hovers in the air against a blue sky.
Chinook Transport
An Army CH-47 Chinook helicopter crew chief observes the runway during a resupply mission supporting Hurricane Helene relief efforts in Greeneville, Tenn., Oct. 7, 2024.
Credit: Army Spc. Matthew Wantroba
VIRIN: 241007-A-QL286-1002A

Also, in response to Hurricane Helene, more than 450 USACE personnel are engaged in 33 missions across the region, supporting debris control, temporary power, infrastructure assessment, flood control and safe waterways assessments, he said. 

The Defense Department continues to be engaged with interagency partners in support of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the White House, state and local governments, Ryder said.

Two people wearing hard hats install a blue tarp on a roof.
Blue Roof Program
The Army Corps of Engineers Operation Blue Roof Program contractors install temporary roof tarps in the wake of Hurricane Milton, in Sarasota, Fla., Oct. 17, 2024.
Credit: Peggy Bebb, Army
VIRIN: 241017-A-JN142-1013J

Since early this month, active-duty service members in support of local, state and national partners have completed more than 100 ground missions and 70 air missions, delivering more than 270 tons of humanitarian aid over land and nearly another 200 tons by air, Ryder said.

Additionally, these service members cleared hundreds of miles of roads, increasing access to some of the hardest hit areas of North Carolina, the general said. 

A soldier carries piece of trunk over his shoulder.
Removing Debris
Army Spc. Johnthan Goggans removes debris during route clearance in Marshall, N.C., Oct 17, 2024.
Credit: Army Staff Sgt. Charles Brock
VIRIN: 241017-A-VJ705-1028
A soldier uses a chainsaw to cut through a large log. Other large logs lie in the background.
Debris Cleanup
North Carolina Army National Guardsman Sgt. Victoria Sweetman cuts wood during debris cleanup operations at Lake Lure, N.C., Oct. 8, 2024. Sweetman is assigned to the 105th Engineer Battalion and supporting Hurricane Helene relief efforts as part of Joint Task Force-North Carolina.
Credit: Army Staff Sgt. Hannah Tarkelly
VIRIN: 241008-Z-AI968-7867A

In the coming days, active-duty service members will begin transitioning out of the area as a longer term recovery phase begins. This transition will be a gradual, phased process, carefully coordinated among state and local officials, U.S. Northern Command, the dual-status active/Guard commander, FEMA and the federal coordinating officer, he said. 

"Active-duty assets are released only after a comprehensive evaluation is conducted, confirming with FEMA and the North Carolina governor that specific DOD support is no longer needed. The Northcom commander approves their recommendation for release of assets, and civil authorities are prepared to manage recovery and sustainment operations independently," he said.

"While these active-duty assets may be heading back to home station, the federal mission and federal support is not ending. As active-duty service members transition out, the National Guard, FEMA and other federal, state and local agencies remain actively engaged to address ongoing needs, rebuild infrastructure and aid communities and long-term recovery," Ryder said. 

Two women chat with a soldier.
Greeting
Air Force Col. Robert Magee, 6th Mission Support Group commander, greets volunteers during a Nourish the Service event at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., Oct. 21, 2024. Nourish the Service is a Blue Star Families-supported event dedicated to bringing installation personnel donations during times of need. The event brought together members of the community to alleviate some of the financial burden caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Credit: Air Force Staff Sgt. Lauren Cobin
VIRIN: 241021-F-CC148-1002

"[Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III] and his team are incredibly proud of the selfless service and sacrifice of all DOD service members involved in the hurricane response efforts, and he remains focused on DOD personnel and their families who may be impacted by the hurricanes," the general said. 

In other news, Ryder noted on Oct. 18, U.S. Strategic Command announced the commencement of its annual nuclear command and control exercise, Global Thunder 25. The exercise involves personnel throughout the strategic enterprise, including Stratcom components and subordinate units. The purpose of the exercise is to enhance nuclear readiness and ensure a safe, secure and effective strategic deterrent force, Ryder said. 

A man speaks to an audience from a podium.
Press Briefing
Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder conducts a press briefing at the Pentagon, Oct. 22, 2024.
Credit: Joseph Clark, DOD
VIRIN: 241022-D-WM747-1081

It is a planned, annual exercise and is not in response to actions by any nation or other actors or current world events, he said. 

Lastly, after his visit to Ukraine, Austin is now in Rome. He'll conclude his week of travel with a visit to the Vatican tomorrow for a papal engagement before heading back to the United States, Ryder said.

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