An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | Oct. 2, 2024

North Carolina Guard Delivers Food, Water to Hurricane Victims

By Tech. Sgt. Juan Paz, 145th Airlift Wing, North Carolina Air National Guard

ASHEVILLE, N.C. - As part of a coordinated relief effort with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the North Carolina Air National Guard has delivered over 100,000 pounds of food, water and other critical supplies for Hurricane Helene victims.

The vital supplies, including 48 pallets of Meals Ready to Eat and 24 pallets of water, were flown on a C-17 Globemaster III from Charlotte-Douglas International Airport to Asheville Regional Airport, which has become a central distribution hub due to impassable roadways caused by flooding and debris.

The rural communities in the storm’s path have been cut off from regular supply routes due to severe damage to roads, making ground transportation nearly impossible. The choice to use the C-17 Globemaster III was strategic, allowing the NCANG to deliver the equivalent of three fully loaded semi-trucks in just 30 minutes of flight time — a stark contrast to the seven hours it would have taken for ground vehicles to navigate the hazardous conditions.

“It was a big effort by the Aerial Port and some augmented personnel we had here in Charlotte,” said Master Sgt. Jesse Huneycutt, 145th Logistic Readiness Squadron, Air Transportation Specialist. “All cargo had to be prepped, loaded onto 463L pallets, inspected, and planned for safety before we could load it on the jet. Completing all of this in just a few hours took a lot of people working long hours at a fast pace.”

Once at Asheville Regional Airport, which was operating on generator power, the cargo was unloaded by an advance team. The supplies then fed into the North Carolina National Guard helicopter network, distributing goods directly to isolated communities struggling in the aftermath of the hurricane.

Asheville has become a vital distribution center for humanitarian aid to Western North Carolina. Blocked roads, downed power lines, and widespread flooding hindered the relief operation, necessitating air support for rapid response. The C-17 Globemaster III, known for its immense cargo capacity and ability to land in austere conditions, was the most efficient solution for transporting large quantities of life-saving supplies to areas that trucks could not reach.

As of Oct. 1, more than 760 North Carolina Guard Soldiers and Airmen were mobilized to assist with hurricane relief efforts by air and ground, conducting search and rescue missions, delivering supplies, and clearing roads.

As those efforts continue, the NCANG will remain actively involved, working with FEMA, local authorities, and emergency response teams to ensure that food, water and essential goods reach every corner of the region affected by Helene.

 

 

Related Articles
Air Force Gen. Steven Nordhaus, chief, National Guard Bureau, meets with Florida National Guard leaders and Guardsmen mobilized in Tampa, Florida, to help communities affected by Hurricane Milton Oct. 16, 2024.
National Guard Leaders See Guardsmen Answer the Call
By Sgt. 1st Class Zach Sheely, | Oct. 18, 2024
MORGANTON, N.C. – The National Guard’s top officer ceremoniously assumed his new role Tuesday. His first order of business Wednesday was to spend time with National Guardsmen supporting communities affected by Hurricane...

North Carolina National Guardsmen with the 113th Sustainment Brigade and the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team conduct bridge-building operations in Nebo, N.C., Oct. 9, 2024, to connect roads for residents following Tropical Storm Helene.
North Carolina Guard Clears Roads after Tropical Storm Helene
By Staff Sgt. Hannah Tarkelly, | Oct. 16, 2024
NEBO, N.C. - “The troops are here!” said Western North Carolina resident Rick Brite, who watched as a group of North Carolina National Guardsmen approached his property with reinforcements and heavy machinery.Like many of...

North Carolina National Guard Soldiers unload books to be distributed to Botswana schools Aug. 16, 2024. The Guard flew 2,000 books more than 8,000 miles to Botswana for elementary, lower secondary and upper secondary schools.
North Carolina Guard Delivers Books to Botswana Children
By Lt. Col. Ellis Parks, | Aug. 30, 2024
RALEIGH, N.C. - Airmen from the North Carolina Air National Guard’s 145th Airlift Wing worked with the North Carolina Army National Guard, the Botswanan Ministry of Education, Go Global NC, and the University of North...