New York Army National Guard Engineers Deployed to South Carolina for Hurricane Helene Recovery

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Written By Richard Perdomo

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that 20 engineer soldiers from the New York Army National Guard have been deployed to South Carolina to help with recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. These soldiers, who specialize in road construction and repair, brought along 17 pieces of heavy equipment, including dump trucks, backhoes, front-end loaders, and cranes, to assist in the cleanup.

New Yorkers are always ready to step up and support our neighbors in times of need, Governor Hochul said. The resources and expertise we’re sending to South Carolina will aid in the recovery and improve conditions for residents affected by the hurricane. I’m grateful to these brave soldiers for their service and wish them a safe return.

The soldiers, deployed on October 3, are from the 2024 Engineer Battalion, based in Horseheads and Camp Smith near Peekskill. They will report to the South Carolina Army National Guard’s Readiness Center in Greenville.

This deployment follows other efforts by New York to assist states hit by Hurricane Helene. On September 26, Governor Hochul sent a swift water rescue team to North Carolina ahead of the storm, which included 16 personnel, two canines, and emergency equipment to assist Yancey County. Then, on September 29, 16 soldiers and three helicopters from Rochester were sent to South Carolina to help transport food, water, and supplies to the Asheville area. To date, they’ve moved 65,000 pounds of relief materials and transported 15 emergency personnel.

On September 30, a 30-member Incident Management Team was also dispatched to Asheville to assist with recovery operations.

Homeland Security Commissioner Jackie Bray said, New Yorkers always come through in times of need, and we’re thankful for those already helping with the recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Helene. This additional support will further aid those impacted by the storm.

Major General Ray Shields added, Following Governor Hochul’s direction, the New York Army National Guard is proud to send an engineering team and heavy equipment to South Carolina to assist with the recovery. Our soldiers are always ready to respond, whether at home or abroad, and today they’ve once again shown that they are ‘always ready, always there.

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