CT National Guard Unit responding to Helene cleanup efforts

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HARTFORD, Conn. (WTIC Radio) - A Connecticut National Guard unit is responding to North Carolina to assist with Hurricane Helene disaster response and relief efforts.

Major General Francis Evon, the commander of the Connecticut National Guard, has assigned the Connecticut Army National Guard’s 1-169th Aviation Regiment to support this request.

The unit is providing one CH-47 Chinook helicopter and a five-soldier flight crew for approximately one week to assist the State of North Carolina, the North Carolina National Guard, and its residents.

The unit mobilized and deployed from Windsor Locks to North Carolina on Friday morning, after Governor Lamont approved the request for the assistance.

“This compact enables states to provide assistance to each other during times of emergency and crisis, and Connecticut stands ready to help our friends in North Carolina respond to the impacts of Hurricane Helene,” Governor Lamont said.

“The Connecticut National Guard stands ready to serve our communities, as always, to assist and respond not just here at home in Connecticut but across the nation, especially in times of crises,” Major General Evon said.