Log in to WRAL.com with one click using your favorite social network:
OR
Log in using your WRAL.com account:



Wrong email/password combination.

Forgot password?

Register with WRAL.com using your favorite social network:
OR
Register for a WRAL.com account using our web form.

9:28 p.m. • 5-19-13

Weather Forecast for Raleigh

  • Mon: Thunderstorm.
    • Hi: 78° F
  • Tue: Thunderstorm.
    • Hi: 84° F
  • Wed: Partly Cloudy.
    • Hi: 86° F

Other Locations

> 7 Day Forecast

Doppler Image

Alert

  • Just In: The North Carolina Senate on Sunday released a preview of its $20.58 billion budget proposal for 2013-14, which would increase spending by 2.3 percent and offer the largest tax cut in state history. The spending plan closely follows the priorities set forth in Gov. Pat McCrory's budget proposal.

Published: 2012-10-31 13:47:00
Updated: 2012-10-31 16:27:04

Posted: October 31, 2012

NC Guard choppers fly north to aid relief effort

Blackhawk helicopters

[search] Site Search

Blackhawk helicopters
print friendly

MORRISVILLE, N.C. — The North Carolina Army National Guard is sending a helicopter task force to New Jersey to help with the relief effort following Hurricane Sandy.

Three UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters with 16 pilots and crew departed Wednesday from North Carolina. They were joined by two CH-47 Chinook helicopters from the Georgia Army National Guard.

The task force will operate from Joint Base McGuire-Dix in Lakehurst, N.J., to assist in search and recovery and rescue operations, as well as ferrying people and supplies in the disaster area. The mission is scheduled to last through Sunday but could be extended if needed.

Guard commander Maj. Gen. Greg Lusk says North Carolina was largely spared by Sandy, but he knows the northeastern states ravaged by the storm would have sent help if roles were reversed.

Capt. Darrell Scoggins said he wants to "assist as many people as possible" while keeping his soldiers safe.

"My crews are well experienced. We've got a good mixture of experience and youth," he said. "Safety is in the number one key. We'll make sure we're assessing all the hazards."

Copyright 2012 by WRAL.com and the Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

3 Comments


WRAL.com welcomes your comments on this story. All comments are moderated prior to publication based on our posting guidelines. Please review them prior to posting and if your message is not approved.

View Comments 3 COMMENTS

This story is closed for comments. Comments on WRAL.com news stories are accepted and moderated between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Latest Comments
Im with the North Carolina Guard and the avation unit witch is going up to help. Im sad that i cant go help but i went last year to the NC coast to help when that storm came through. Be safe to all my National Guard borthers and sisters in arms. 1-130th ARB Hooah!!!!
The Soldier
November 1, 2012 6:31 p.m.
This is great news for central NC pot farmers. No air patrol for the Fall MJ harvest. I smell, "bumper crop"
Click to view my profile more cowbell
October 31, 2012 4:09 p.m.
Be safe and Thanks for your help.
Click to view my profile Coolbreeze
October 31, 2012 2:15 p.m.
View Comments 3 COMMENTS

Multimedia Spotlight

more