Ohio National Guard crew, helicopter providing Hurricane Michael relief

NORTH CANTON — An Ohio Army National Guard helicopter and seven-person crew is leaving for Florida Thursday to provide support for Hurricane Michael relief.

A CH-47 Chinook helicopter from Company B, 3rd Battalion, 238th Aviation Regiment and crew members are expected to leave around 1 p.m. from the Aviation Support Facility #1 in North Canton, according an Ohio National Guard press release.

Hurricane Michael has been downgraded and is now a tropical storm.

The crew will support hurricane relief efforts, such as aerial resupply, search and rescue and personnel and equipment transportation.

The Company B, 3rd Battalion, 238th Aviation Regiment was deployed twice last year to help with relief efforts after Hurricane Harvey in Texas and Hurricane Irma in Florida, according to the release.

More than 400 Ohio National Guard Airmen and soldiers were reportedly deployed during last year’s hurricane season.

They provided equipment and assistance in communications, medical aid transportation, shelters, mobile kitchens, water purification and imagery analysis.