LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A group of 11 airmen from the Kentucky Air National Guard were deployed Oct. 1 to North Carolina to provide critical support in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. 

The airmen, part of a specialized Fatality Search and Recovery Team, are trained to deliver rapid assistance during natural disasters. Their mission includes managing casualties and supporting the recovery process in devastated areas.

First Lt. Zachary Endicott highlighted the team's readiness and the equipment they brought along for the mission.

"We’re bringing with us ATV vehicles, refrigeration trailers for transport and storage, as well as generators, environmental control units and tents so we can sustain the mission as long as needed," Endicott said.

Hurricane Helene has already left a trail of dismay across North Carolina, with more than 200 miles of roads rendered impassable. Portions of Interstate 40 were washed away, and the storm has claimed at least 175 lives. 

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) described the devastation of Helene as "beyond belief."

"Communities were wiped off the map, dozens of lives were lost and hundreds of roads are damaged or impassable," Cooper said. "Communication has been difficult due to widespread cell phone and power outages." 

While the FSRT's primary role is not in rescue efforts, their contribution to recovery remains essential.

The team’s previous experience includes deployments to aid in disaster recovery from the 2021 Mayfield tornado and the 2022 flooding in eastern Kentucky.

While it's a difficult time for the storm's victims, the Kentucky Air National Guard's swift response is just one example of the nationwide effort to mitigate the storm's effects.