Charlotte, North Carolina, August 3, 2025
News Summary
The 145th Airlift Wing has deployed Airmen to the Middle East as part of global operational commitments. Simultaneously, they are engaged in hurricane relief efforts for Hurricane Helene, which has devastated parts of North Carolina. With over 180 fatalities reported, the National Guard is distributing essential supplies like food and water and utilizing C-17 aircraft for transport. Their efforts are crucial as many communities lack basic resources due to flooding.
Charlotte, North Carolina — On August 1, 2025, the 145th Airlift Wing of the North Carolina Air National Guard deployed a group of Airmen to the Middle East, following a recent increase in global operational requirements. This deployment follows an earlier group sent in June, marking the ongoing commitment of the National Guard to support international missions while simultaneously addressing domestic crises.
The deployment ceremony took place at the North Carolina Air National Guard base located at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport. Family members and friends gathered to bid farewell to the men and women who will be serving in various capacities overseas. Their efforts will join those of other personnel already active in the region.
In a completely separate operation, the North Carolina Air National Guard has initiated an extensive relief mission in response to the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene, which has severely impacted the state. Emergency response efforts include the distribution of essential supplies to communities across North Carolina, particularly in the western part of the state, where tens of thousands of residents currently lack access to running water due to flooding caused by the hurricane. The death toll associated with the hurricane has climbed to at least 90 as of October 2, with more than 180 confirmed fatalities overall.
The Air National Guard is using C-17 Globemaster aircraft, known for their rapid transport capabilities, to deliver critical supplies. So far, the relief mission has successfully transported 100,000 pounds of essential items, including 48 pallets of Meals Ready to Eat (MREs) and 24 pallets of water, each weighing approximately 1,000 pounds. These supplies were moved from Charlotte-Douglas International Airport to Asheville Regional Airport, which is being utilized as a key distribution center due to severely blocked local roads.
Ground transportation remains difficult amid the ongoing natural disaster, with significant flooding and debris hindering access to affected areas. To facilitate efficient delivery, an advance team at Asheville Regional Airport is actively unloading cargo for the North Carolina National Guard’s helicopter network, which will further distribute supplies to impacted communities.
In cooperation with federal and local authorities, the North Carolina Air National Guard is set to continue its relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. In addition to the local efforts, the Kentucky Air National Guard has also contributed by deploying 11 Airmen to Hickory, North Carolina, to assist in recovery efforts and provide support for victims’ families. Their Fatality Search and Recovery Team is focused on returning the remains of individuals to their loved ones for closure.
On October 2, President Joe Biden visited the affected areas and directed the Department of Defense to deploy up to 1,000 active-duty soldiers to further assist efforts. Currently, over 6,500 service members are involved in relief efforts across six states, demonstrating the widespread response to the crisis.
As of October 1, 2025, the U.S. Northern Command has been actively coordinating these efforts in support of FEMA and has dispatched various engineering teams to provide assistance in North Carolina, Georgia, and other areas severely impacted by Hurricane Helene. Many individuals are still reported missing, adding urgency to the ongoing recovery and relief operations.
FAQ
- What is the purpose of the deployment by the 145th Airlift Wing?
- The deployment is part of ongoing global operations that the U.S. military supports, with Airmen joining those already deployed since June.
- How has Hurricane Helene impacted North Carolina?
- The hurricane has caused significant damage, resulting in a lack of running water for tens of thousands and over 180 confirmed fatalities, with many individuals still missing.
- What type of supplies is being distributed for Hurricane Helene relief efforts?
- The National Guard is distributing essential items, including Meals Ready to Eat (MREs) and bottled water, totaling 100,000 pounds to affected communities.
- What role is the U.S. Northern Command playing in the relief efforts?
- The U.S. Northern Command is coordinating the response to assist FEMA and manage resources, including engineering teams assisting in affected states.
Key Features of the Airlift and Relief Operations
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Deployment Date | August 1, 2025 |
| Location | Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, North Carolina |
| Number of Airmen Deployed | Group from the 145th Airlift Wing |
| Supplies Distributed in Relief | 100,000 pounds (48 pallets of MREs, 24 pallets of water) |
| Relief Mission Transportation | C-17 Globemaster Aircraft |
| Total Confirmed Fatalities from Hurricane Helene | Over 180 |
| Active Service Members Involved | Over 6,500 across six states |
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Additional Resources
- QC News: NC Air National Guard Deploys Airmen
- Google Search: NC Air National Guard
- Air & Space Forces: Air National Guard Delivers Lifeline
- Wikipedia: Air National Guard
- WFMY News: Western NC National Guard Supplies
- Google Search: Hurricane Helene
- We Are The Mighty: You Are More Than A Milspouse
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Natural Disaster
- QC News: New C-17 Hangar Opens
- Google News: North Carolina Hurricane Relief
Author: HERE Charlotte
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