Florida National Guard units were activated just days before Hurricane Helene made landfall and aviation assets relieved some of the demands placed on the North Carolina National Guard and civilian partner agencies and augmented Guardsmen impacted by the storm who were unable to support State Active Duty operations. This aspect of the Guard is often overlooked, but it’s proven to be critically important.

“The role of the Guard in an Emergency Management Assistance Compact situation is really a force multiplier,” said Lt. Col. Brian Cooper, commander, 1-111th General Support Aviation Battalion. “It’s an agreement between states that enables other National Guard organizations into that state to help those citizens in need.”

As part of its support package, the Florida National Guard provided two CH-47 Chinooks with heavy lift capabilities. These allowed the Florida National Guard to deliver commodities to isolated locations, leveraging a larger platform for urban search and rescue movements into an affected area, and sling load capabilities, enabling engineer assets to clear roads and ensure first responders could get to the areas of greatest need.

“As a National Guard member, we’re trained and prepared for missions like this. Responding to natural disasters is one of the key roles we fulfill in the Guard, and it’s an honor to be able to contribute to relief efforts for our state and others in need,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Ashley Smith, Pilot, Bravo Company, 1-111th Aviation Regiment.