DOD Ups Military Helene Aid Response

FEMA requested the extra military assistance to help respond to the devastation left behind from the storm. Earlier this week some 6,500 National Guard troops from 12 states were deployed, many by boat and helicopter to assist with the rescue and cleanup in the wake of Helene.

The news comes as Asheville, North Carolina, aviation officials issue new guidance for GA aircraft attempting to access the regional airport with relief supplies.

These troops, which include members of the 82nd Airborne and a forward support company, will assist in delivering food, water, and other critical aid items “over the last mile to the point of need” in the communities hardest hit by the storm, Pentagon press secretary Pat Ryder said Wednesday.

In addition to assisting with the delivery of the supplies, the troops will assist in the removal of debris from affected routes.

Aviation is a critical lifeline in the operation, connecting communities in the storm-affected region of North Carolina that have been cut off by floodwaters, blocked roads, and downed trees and power lines.

The U.S. Army and Navy have been using helicopters to ferry in supplies and rescue people from areas that cannot be accessed by roads. The U.S. Air Force has also assisted in search-and-rescue missions.

As of 2:30 p.m. EST Wednesday, any GA aircraft heading to Asheville Regional Airport (KAVL) will be required to have a clearance from FEMA before they are allowed to land. 

The airport is a base of operations for the Hurricane Helene relief efforts, and throughout the week it has seen a steady flow of GA traffic with pilots bringing in much-needed supplies.

Airport officials said the prior permission is required to ensure the safety of aircraft and personnel since so many GA aircraft are coming in to drop off supplies and then head back out. 

“[KAVL] is serving as the gateway for these coordinated flights carrying large-scale quantities of supplies, which are then distributed throughout the region by federal, state, and local emergency agencies,” the airport said in a statement. “It is important to note for the public that [KAVL] airport is not a distribution center, but rather a receiving point for these coordinated supply efforts.”

The airport is also used for commercial air traffic, which officials note remains unaffected by the increase in general aviation operations.