On Sunday, September 29th, OHA Missions and the world were confronted with the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene on the mountains near Asheville, North Carolina. The storm left communities with no power, communications, food, water, or road access. Within 72 hours, the situation threatened to escalate from search-and-rescue to search-and-recovery, as families and infants who depended on water, medicine, and formula faced severe risks.

In less than 24 hours, OHA Missions was already taking action, airlifting critical communication equipment to Avery County Airport, near the mountain village of Spruce Pine, North Carolina—an effort that directly contributed to saving lives.

For the past two years, OHA Missions has been monitoring advancements in aerospace technologies specifically geared towards disaster relief. This summer, Orb Aerospace, based in Lowell, Michigan, deployed advanced communications technologies during U.S. Navy “Silent Swarm” and Michigan National Guard “Northern Strike” exercises in Northern Michigan. Last week, while Hurricane Helene formed in the Gulf of Mexico, Orb Aerospace was testing Orb LASSie, an advanced autonomous aircraft, from the USNS Burlington, demonstrating the global capabilities of the Orb Edge Network to provide critical communications support to small teams anywhere.

These technologies became crucial this week, providing vital support to communities affected by Hurricane Helene. OHA Missions deployed Orb Edge Kits, incorporating cutting-edge communications technology developed by Orb Aerospace, to the mountains of North Carolina in partnership with JAARS (Jungle Aviation and Relay Service). The mission aimed to provide essential communications and airlift services to isolated mountain communities severely impacted by the hurricane.

With the Orb Edge Kits in place, Chazak Rescue’s special operations volunteers, transported by a JAARS R66 helicopter, were able to reach remote areas near Asheville. These volunteers collaborated with local families and volunteer firefighters to assess real-time needs and quickly deliver vital supplies.

Through innovation, collaboration, and swift action, OHA Missions and its partners made a real difference, transforming the potential tragedy of Hurricane Helene into a story of hope and resilience.