In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, more than 450 Tennessee National Guard soldiers and airmen are actively assisting state, county, and local first responders in East Tennessee. These efforts are focused on areas severely affected by flooding, including Carter, Cocke, Greene, Johnson, Unicoi, and Washington counties.
The guardsmen are engaged in 24-hour rescue and relief operations, both on the ground and aerially. They are organized into three task forces responsible for various activities such as aviation and ground search and rescue, debris clearance, logistics management, and the distribution of essential supplies like food and water.
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Task Force Aviation, composed of flight crews from the 1-230th Assault Helicopter Battalion based at Knoxville’s Joint Base McGhee-Tyson and Nashville’s Berry Field, has been integral in search and rescue missions using UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters. They have successfully rescued over 100 individuals and transported more than 275 personnel to critical areas. Their efforts include airlifting over 107,000 pounds of essential supplies, including food and water, to isolated citizens due to infrastructure damage. They have also conducted 15 reconnaissance flights to assess damage to dams, bridges, and roadways.
Joint Task Force Castle, made up of more than 220 engineers from various units across Tennessee, is using heavy machinery to clear roads and other critical areas. They have removed over 400 truckloads of debris, amounting to nearly 4,000 tons, to facilitate the restoration of services to affected regions.
Meanwhile, the 176th Combat Service Support Battalion from Johnson City has formed Joint Task Force Transportation. This team utilizes Medium and Light Medium Tactical Vehicles to deliver supplies and personnel. They have transported over 70,000 pounds of supplies to five counties and are conducting wellness checks to ensure the safety of residents. Additionally, guardsmen are supporting distribution centers, providing water for sanitation, and operating a Tactical Water Purification System.
These coordinated missions are managed through the Tennessee Military Department’s Joint Emergency Operations Center, which was operational before Hurricane Helene made landfall. The center works continuously to manage National Guard responses, facilitate communication with partner agencies, and ensure the rapid deployment of emergency response resources as needed.
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Tennessee National Guard Aids in Flood Rescues
The Tennessee National Guard is actively assisting in flood rescue operations across the state following Hurricane Helene, collaborating with local emergency responders and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency. They have successfully executed aerial rescues using Blackhawk helicopters to evacuate trapped hospital staff and patients and are deploying tactical vehicles to aid in water rescues in other affected areas.