Tennessee Guardsmen continue supporting rescue efforts in East Tennessee

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee National Guard continues to support the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and the state, county, and local first responders in the areas impacted by severe flooding following Hurricane Helene.Tennessee Guardsmen are currently providing 24-hour, ground and aerial rescue and relief support. Since flooding began, servicemembers from the 1-230th Assault Helicopter Battalion, based at Knoxville’s Joint Base McGhee-Tyson and Nashville’s Berry Field, have rescued over 100 citizens, transported over 34,000 pounds of drinking water, food, generators, and other equipment to those in need. They also performed 11 reconnaissance missions surveying dams, bridges, roadways, and other critical infrastructure to begin repairs. Today, these aviators are continuing rescue and relief operations throughout the affected counties.“Our priority has been to rapidly deploy to the affected areas and assist emergency responders with rescue operations,” said Maj. Gen. Warner Ross, Tennessee’s Adjutant General. “We are working with local emergency management agencies through TEMA by providing forces and support wherever needed. Our Guardsmen are prepared to help with relief efforts for as long as we are needed to ensure the safety of our fellow Tennesseans.”More than 50 engineers and 30 vehicles from Trenton’s 230th Engineer Battalion and Knoxville’s 134th Air Refueling Wing are...