The Tennessee National Guard is actively supporting the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) and other first responders in areas affected by severe flooding following Hurricane Helene. The Guardsmen are providing continuous ground and aerial support for rescue and relief operations.
Servicemembers from the 1-230th Assault Helicopter Battalion, stationed at Knoxville’s Joint Base McGhee-Tyson and Nashville’s Berry Field, have played a crucial role in rescue missions. They have rescued over 100 individuals and transported over 34,000 pounds of essential supplies, including drinking water, food, and generators. Additionally, they have conducted 11 reconnaissance missions to survey infrastructure such as dams, bridges, and roadways.
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“Our priority has been to rapidly deploy to the affected areas and assist emergency responders with rescue operations,” stated Maj. Gen. Warner Ross, Tennessee’s Adjutant General. “We are working with local emergency management agencies through TEMA by providing forces and support wherever needed. Our Guardsmen are prepared to help with relief efforts for as long as we are needed to ensure the safety of our fellow Tennesseans.”
More than 50 engineers and 30 vehicles from Trenton’s 230th Engineer Battalion and Knoxville’s 134th Air Refueling Wing are involved in debris removal in Carter, Green, Unicoi, and Washington counties. Utilizing equipment such as bulldozers, dump trucks, and skid steer loaders, they are clearing roads and other critical areas. Additional engineers from West Tennessee are also on their way to assist.
Furthermore, Task Force 176, composed of Guardsmen from the 176th Combat Service Support Battalion, is operating in Johnson City. They are using more than 30 Medium and Light Medium Tactical Vehicles to transport personnel and supplies to and from the affected areas. They have also set up a supply distribution center and delivered two 400-gallon water buffalos for showers and latrines.
All these operations are coordinated through the Tennessee Military Department’s Joint Emergency Operations Center (JEOC), which was activated before Hurricane Helene’s landfall. The JEOC manages the response of National Guard forces, communicates with partner agencies, and ensures the rapid deployment of emergency response resources.
The Tennessee National Guard will continue their rescue and relief efforts as long as necessary. For assistance, individuals should contact local authorities. To report a missing person in the affected area, call the TBI FIND line at 1-800-TBI-FIND / 1-1800-824-3463.
Source: Read Original Release
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