The Defense Department and the Federal Emergency Management Agency are working together in a whole-of-government effort to provide relief to victims of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. In Florida, more than 6,500 National Guardsmen, 26 helicopters, over 500 high-water vehicles, and a dozen watercraft from 12 states are involved in response and recovery missions after Hurricane Milton. Approximately 250 people are providing support with debris control, temporary roof support, waterway clearance, and flood control. U.S. Northern Command and U.S. Army North also have active duty forces ready to support FEMA when needed.
In preparation for Hurricane Milton, DOD evacuated military facilities in Florida, including U.S. Special Operations Command and U.S. Central Command from MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa. The safety of personnel, families, and equipment was a top priority, with both commands operating from alternative locations until it is safe to return. In North Carolina, the relief efforts for Hurricane Helene involve around 5,000 National Guardsmen, 80 high-water vehicles, and 50 helicopters from 17 states, as well as over 1,500 active duty members assisting in the coordinated response effort. Active duty personnel have been involved in road clearing and distributing essential supplies.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has over 550 personnel mobilized to support various emergency operations centers in the affected areas, focusing on debris control, temporary power infrastructure assessment, flood control, and safe waterways assessment. In Washington, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has been receiving daily updates on the response efforts and has held meetings with high-level Defense Department officials, including Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Navy Adm. Christopher W. Grady, Air Force Gen. Gregory Guillot Northcom commander, and other senior officials. Austin, Hicks, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. also attended a meeting at the White House with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to discuss the relief efforts.
The Defense Department is committed to working closely with federal, state, and local partners to support and coordinate ongoing disaster response efforts for both hurricanes. They will continue to provide updates on additional relief efforts and ensure that all necessary resources are being utilized to aid those impacted by the devastating storms. The combined efforts of DOD and FEMA demonstrate a comprehensive approach to providing relief and support to the victims of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton in Florida and North Carolina.
