The Department of Defense (DOD) continues to play a vital role in the response and recovery efforts following the devastating impacts of Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene. Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided an update today, detailing the extensive mobilization of National Guard troops and Army Corps of Engineers personnel working on critical recovery missions.
More than 1,100 National Guard troops, supported by over 100 high-water vehicles and helicopters from three states, have been deployed in response to Hurricane Milton. These troops are assisting with search and rescue operations, debris removal, and providing humanitarian assistance to the affected communities. Additionally, approximately 270 personnel from the Army Corps of Engineers are engaged in nine key assignments, including temporary roof support, flood response, debris control, and infrastructure assessment.
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the response has been even more extensive. Around 2,000 National Guard troops from nine states have been mobilized, equipped with 65 high-water vehicles and eight helicopters to aid in the recovery efforts. Moreover, over 450 Army Corps of Engineers personnel are actively working on 33 missions across the region, tackling flood control, temporary power restoration, debris clearance, and safe waterway assessments.
Ryder emphasized the close collaboration between the DOD and interagency partners, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the White House, and state and local governments. Since the beginning of the month, active-duty service members have completed over 100 ground missions and 70 air missions, delivering more than 270 tons of humanitarian aid by land and an additional 200 tons by air. They have also cleared hundreds of miles of roadways, increasing access to the most severely affected areas in North Carolina.
As the region moves into the long-term recovery phase, active-duty service members will begin a phased transition out of the area. This process will be closely coordinated with state and local officials, FEMA, U.S. Northern Command, and the dual-status active/Guard commander. Ryder reassured that while active-duty assets may be withdrawn, the federal mission continues, with the National Guard, FEMA, and other agencies remaining on the ground to support rebuilding efforts.
Ryder also took a moment to express pride in the dedication and sacrifices of the DOD personnel involved in the hurricane response. He also noted the department’s ongoing focus on ensuring the well-being of DOD personnel and their families who may have been affected by the hurricanes.
In other updates, Ryder highlighted the recent launch of the U.S. Strategic Command’s annual nuclear command and control exercise, Global Thunder 25. This exercise, which involves personnel from across the strategic enterprise, is designed to enhance nuclear readiness and maintain a strong and effective strategic deterrent force. He stressed that the exercise is a planned, routine event and not in response to any specific global actions.
Lastly, Ryder mentioned Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin’s current diplomatic tour. After visiting Ukraine, Austin is now in Rome, where he will conclude his trip with a papal visit at the Vatican before returning to the United States.–News Desk