OCTOBER 2, 2024 – As part of a coordinated relief effort with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the North Carolina Air National Guard has delivered over 100,000 pounds of food, water and other critical supplies for Hurricane Helene victims.
The vital supplies, including 48 pallets of Meals Ready to Eat and 24 pallets of water, were flown on a C-17 Globemaster III from Charlotte-Douglas International Airport to Asheville Regional Airport, which has become a central distribution hub due to impassable roadways caused by flooding and debris.
The rural communities in the storm’s path have been cut off from regular supply routes due to severe damage to roads, making ground transportation nearly impossible. The choice to use the C-17 Globemaster III was strategic, allowing the NCANG to deliver the equivalent of three fully loaded semi-trucks in just 30 minutes of flight time — a stark contrast to the seven hours it would have taken for ground vehicles to navigate the hazardous conditions.
“It was a big effort by the Aerial Port and some augmented personnel we had here in Charlotte,” said Master Sgt. Jesse Huneycutt, 145th Logistic Readiness Squadron, Air Transportation Specialist. “All cargo had to be prepped, loaded onto 463L pallets, inspected, and planned for safety before we could load it on the jet. Completing all of this in just a few hours took a lot of people working long hours at a fast pace.”
Once at Asheville Regional Airport, which was operating on generator power, the cargo was unloaded by an advance team. The supplies then fed into the North Carolina National Guard helicopter network, distributing goods directly to isolated communities struggling in the aftermath of the hurricane.
Asheville has become a vital distribution center for humanitarian aid to Western North Carolina. Blocked roads, downed power lines, and widespread flooding hindered the relief operation, necessitating air support for rapid response. The C-17 Globemaster III, known for its immense cargo capacity and ability to land in austere conditions, was the most efficient solution for transporting large quantities of life-saving supplies to areas that trucks could not reach.
As of Oct. 1, more than 760 North Carolina Guard Soldiers and Airmen were mobilized to assist with hurricane relief efforts by air and ground, conducting search and rescue missions, delivering supplies, and clearing roads.
As those efforts continue, the NCANG will remain actively involved, working with FEMA, local authorities, and emergency response teams to ensure that food, water and essential goods reach every corner of the region affected by Helene.
By Tech. Sgt. Juan Paz, 145th Airlift Wing
North Carolina Air National Guard