FORT LIBERTY, N.C. – At the request of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the North Carolina National Guard, Soldiers and equipment from XVIII Airborne Corps began movement from Fort Liberty on October 3 to support recovery efforts in Western North Carolina following Hurricane Helene.
XVIII Airborne Corps remains trained and postured to respond to crises across the globe, whenever the nation calls. Our support to Joint Task Force-Civil Support (JTF-CS) led by
U.S. Army North overseeing the relief effort is no exception. Over 400 Soldiers have already left Fort Liberty, and more are scheduled to follow. They are working to integrate with the ongoing effort led by FEMA and the North Carolina Army National Guard.
Two Task Forces composed of XVIII Airborne Corps Soldiers have been formed and will fall under the command of the North Carolina Army National Guard Dual Status Commander. Task Force Castle consists of elements of 20th Engineer Brigade, 3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command, 44th Medical Brigade, and 35th Corps Signal Brigade, and is led on the ground by Col. Sean Shields, commander, 20th Engineer Brigade. Task Force Aviation consists of elements from the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, and is led by Col. Khirsten Schwenn.
Equipment from Fort Liberty will provide several capabilities. For emergency route clearance, Task Force Castle will provide bulldozers, excavators, skid steers, and other engineer equipment. High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs) and Light Medium Tactical Vehicles (LMTVs) will provide high water trafficability, and Infantry Squad Vehicles (ISVs) will be used for troop movement. Additional assets include field ambulances, trailers, fuel/water tanks, chainsaws and tactical water purification systems.
CH-47 Chinook Helicopters from the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade are flying to Western North Carolina and staging at Asheville Regional Airport. They are providing heavy lift capabilities and humanitarian aid delivery.
Our deepest sympathies are with our fellow Americans affected by Hurricane Helene, and we are here to support them however we can. XVIII Airborne Corps is working tirelessly in support FEMA, JTF-CS, the state of North Carolina, and the North Carolina National Guard.
For the most up-to-date imagery, media can view the following link: DVIDS - 2024
Hurricane Season DoD Support (dvidshub.net). Media with additional questions or embed
requests can reach out to the U.S. Army North PAO Desk at 210-247-8852 or usarmy.jbsa.arnorth.list.pao@army.mil. Queries pertaining to the North Carolina National Guard can be directed to Lt. Col. Ellis Parks at ellis.j.parks.mil@army.mil.
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