MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama Governor Kay Ivey announced on Monday the deployment of a 13-person team consisting of state National Guard members to North Carolina to assist in Hurricane Helene relief.
The team includes 11 airmen who serve as Alabama’s Fatality Search and Recovery Team (FSRT). The team also includes a chaplain and chaplain’s assistant.
Federal officials and aid groups were working to bring basic supplies by airlift, truck and mule to the hard-hit tourism hub of Asheville and its surrounding mountain towns. Ivey said the state is adding more manpower to that effort.
“Hurricane Helene left warzone-like devastation in its path, and Alabama is here to lend a helping hand as our neighboring states begin responding and recovering,” Ivey said in a written statement. “North Carolina was especially impacted, and without hesitation, I am directing an Alabama National Guard team, in addition to other first responders, to aid in the search and rescue mission there. I pray for the safety of this team and that they are successful in their mission to rescue as many people as possible in the devastated parts of North Carolina.”
The deployment is in addition to three swift water rescue teams and a cadaver dog team to aid in searching for those still missing after the storm.
“Our hearts go out to our brothers and sisters who have felt the worst of this storm,” said National Guard Adjutant General Maj. David Pritchett. “This team is well-trained and well-equipped, and the prayers of our entire force are with them as they work to bring rescue to as many as possible and closure to the families of those we have lost.”