PRESS RELEASE: Maryland National Guard mobilized for Hurricane Helene support in North Carolina

Governor Wes Moore authorized the mobilization of 12 Maryland Army National Guard Soldiers along with two helicopters and three civilian firefighters of the Maryland Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team (MD-HART) to North Carolina to assist in potential rescues and operations as the result of Hurricane Helene.

The MD-HART, consisting of one UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter with five crew members from the Maryland Army National Guard and three rescue technicians from the Baltimore, Howard, and Montgomery County Fire Departments, arrived today ready for swift water rescue missions ahead of Hurricane Helene impacting the citizens of North Carolina.

An additional seven Soldiers and a CH-47 Chinook helicopter are positioned in North Carolina to support heavy lift and cargo missions within the state.

“Our Soldiers are well-trained to provide essential, lifesaving services to the communities impacted by the storm here in Maryland and in this situation, across state lines,” said Maj. Gen. Janeen L. Birckhead, adjutant general for Maryland. ” We are always ready to provide military support to civilian authorities and help our neighbors in need during a natural disaster. We send our sincere condolences to those families who have already lost loved ones due to the hurricane.”

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