In response to severe flooding caused by Hurricane Helene, nearly 600 Tennessee National Guardsmen have been actively involved in recovery efforts across East Tennessee. Equipped with over 150 vehicles and various construction equipment, they are working in collaboration with state, county, and local first responders to assist the affected communities.
The Guardsmen’s efforts are concentrated primarily in Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hawkins, Hamblen, Johnson, Unicoi, and Washington counties. Organized into three task forces, they are handling debris clearance, reconnaissance, logistics management, and the transportation and distribution of essential supplies such as food and water.
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Task Force Aviation, consisting of flight crews from the 1-230th Assault Helicopter Battalion based in Knoxville, plays a significant role in the relief efforts. Utilizing UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters, they have rescued over 100 individuals and transported 370 emergency personnel. Additionally, they have airlifted more than 125,000 pounds of necessary supplies, including drinking water, food, and medicine, to areas isolated by destroyed bridges and damaged roads. The task force has also conducted 16 reconnaissance flights to assess damages to infrastructure like dams and roadways.
Joint Task Force Castle is composed of engineers from Trenton’s 230th Engineer Battalion, Knoxville’s 134th Civil Engineer Squadron, Nashville’s 118th Civil Engineering Squadron, and Memphis’ 164th Airlift Wing. They are engaged in clearing roads and other key locations using equipment such as bulldozers and dump trucks. To date, they have removed over 420 truckloads of debris and have started rebuilding roads in Greene County.
The 176th Combat Service Support Battalion from Johnson City leads Joint Task Force Transportation. Utilizing Medium and Light Medium Tactical Vehicles, they have conducted over 185 supply deliveries and distributed more than 100,000 pounds of supplies. Their efforts include bulk water staging and distribution in several counties and the operation of multiple distribution centers. They have also deployed water storage systems and a Tactical Water Purification System in Mountain City, supplying over 30,000 gallons of potable water to communities in need.
All operations are being coordinated through the Tennessee Military Department’s Joint Emergency Operations Center, which was established in anticipation of Hurricane Helene. The center manages the deployment of National Guard forces and coordinates with partner agencies to provide timely emergency response as facilitated by the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency.
For more information, visit the Tennessee Military Department website.
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Tactical Water Purification System Aids East Tennessee
In response to Hurricane Helene, the Tennessee Army National Guard has deployed a Tactical Water Purification System to provide clean water to affected communities in East Tennessee, purifying up to 1,500 gallons of water per hour from Roan Creek and distributing it efficiently to residents in need.