ARLINGTON, Va. — Active-duty military forces will soon begin winding down their support of Hurricane Helene recovery efforts in North Carolina.
The Pentagon's spokesman said Tuesday that Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is "incredibly proud of their selfless service and sacrifice."
The devastating tropical cyclone slammed part of the Tar Heel state in late September, killing 95 people, meanwhile, 26 remain missing – according to authorities.
"In the coming days following weeks of direct support to the people of western North Carolina, active-duty service members will begin transitioning out of the area as the longer-term recovery phase begins. This transition will be a gradual, phased process that's carefully coordinated between state and local officials," said Major General Pat Ryder, department of Defense Press Secretary,
About 1,500 Army soldiers from Fort Liberty and 450 Army Corps of Engineers personnel have been on the ground in North Carolina since the storm hit, and have delivered 470 tons of humanitarian aid and cleared 660 miles of roads.
Ryder emphasized on Tuesday that "the federal mission is not ending" and the National Guard and FEMA will remain "actively engaged to address on-going needs."