UPDATE: President Joe Biden departs Fort Campbell after surveying Kentucky tornado damage

President Joe Biden returned to Fort Campbell on Wednesday to survey damage and pledge federal support for the victims of recent tornadoes.

FORT CAMPBELL, KY (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – President Joe Biden returned to Fort Campbell on Wednesday to survey damage and pledge federal support for the victims of devastating tornadoes that killed dozens and left thousands in the region without heat, water or electricity.

More than 30 tornadoes tore through Kentucky and at least four other states over the weekend, killing at least 88 people, demolishing homes and downing power lines.

One of three Bell Boeing Bell V-22 Osprey that joined Air Force One with President Joe Biden at Fort Campbell for his tour of tornado damage in Kentucky on Dec. 15, 2021. (Lee Erwin)

President Joe Biden arrives at Fort Campbell to begin a tour of tornado damage in Kentucky on Dec. 15, 2021. (Lee Erwin)

Air Force One lands with President Joe Biden at Fort Campbell as he begins a tour of tornado damage in Kentucky on Dec. 15, 2021. (Lee Erwin)

Major General JP McGee, 101st Command Sergeant Major Veronica Knapp, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, First Lady Britainy Beshear and former Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear, meet with President Joe Biden at Fort Campbell as he begins a tour of tornado damage in Kentucky on Dec. 15, 2021. (Lee Erwin)

President Joe Biden arrives at Fort Campbell to begin a tour of tornado damage in Kentucky on Dec. 15, 2021. (Lee Erwin)

Media traveling with President Joe Biden arrive at Fort Campbell to begin a tour of tornado damage in Kentucky on Dec. 15, 2021. (Lee Erwin)

President Joe Biden arrives at Fort Campbell to begin a tour of tornado damage in Kentucky on Dec. 15, 2021. (Lee Erwin)

President Joe Biden meets with Major General JP McGee, 101st Command Sergeant Major Veronica Knapp, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, First Lady Britainy Beshear and former Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear, at Fort Campbell to begin a tour of tornado damage in Kentucky on Dec. 15, 2021. (Lee Erwin)

President Joe Biden meets with Major General JP McGee, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, First Lady Britainy Beshear and former Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear at Fort Campbell to begin a tour of tornado damage in Kentucky on Dec. 15, 2021. (Lee Erwin)

President Joe Biden walks with Major General JP McGee and Command Sergeant Major Veronica Knapp after arriving at Fort Campbell to begin a tour of tornado damage in Kentucky on Dec. 15, 2021. (Lee Erwin)

President Joe Biden prepares to board his helicopter at Fort Campbell to begin a tour of tornado damage in Kentucky on Dec. 15, 2021. (Lee Erwin)

Major General JP McGee and 101st Airborne Division Command Sergeant Major Veronica Knapp after meeting with President Joe Biden at Campbell Army Airfield as the President begins a tour of tornado damage in Kentucky on Dec. 15, 2021. (Lee Erwin)

President Joe Biden arrives at Fort Campbell to begin a tour of tornado damage in Kentucky on Dec. 15, 2021. (Lee Erwin)

President Joe Biden’s helicopter prepares to depart from Fort Campbell to begin a tour of tornado damage in Kentucky on Dec. 15, 2021. (Lee Erwin)

Biden was visiting Fort Campbell for a storm briefing and a tour of the towns of Mayfield and Dawson Springs to see the aftermath firsthand. The president planned to meet with victims and local officials to hear directly from them.

“The president’s message today is that he and the federal government intend to do whatever it takes for as long as it takes by providing any support that is needed to aid recovery efforts and support the people of Kentucky and of other impacted states as they rebuild,” White House principal deputy press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said aboard Air Force One.

Biden has visited Fort Campbell a couple of times before during his time as vice president, according to Leaf-Chronicle archives. In February 2011, he attended a Fort Campbell High School football game. He extended that trip to make a surprise visit with troops returning from Afghanistan. He also visited the post with President Barack Obama in May 2011.

The president departed from Fort Campbell aboard Air Force One around 5 p.m.

President Joe Biden prepares to board Air Force One after surveying tornado damage in surrounding communities, Dec. 15, 2021 (Casey Williams)

Biden visit to Ft Campbell Dec 2021 (20)

President Joe Biden prepares to board Air Force One after surveying tornado damage in surrounding communities, Dec. 15, 2021 (Casey Williams)

President Joe Biden arrives at Campbell Army Airfield on Marine Force One after surveying tornado damage in surrounding communities, Dec. 15, 2021 (Casey Williams)

Biden visit to Ft Campbell Dec 2021 (12)

Biden visit to Ft Campbell Dec 2021 (11)

Biden visit to Ft Campbell Dec 2021 (10)

Air Force Once prepares for departure from Fort Campbell, Dec. 15,2021 (Casey Williams)

Biden visit to Ft Campbell Dec 2021 (31)

President Joe Biden prepares to board Air Force One after surveying tornado damage in surrounding communities, Dec. 15, 2021 (Casey Williams)

President Joe Biden arrives at Campbell Army Airfield on Marine Force One after surveying tornado damage in surrounding communities, Dec. 15, 2021 (Casey Williams)

Soldiers stand watch at Campbell Army Airfield as Air Force One prepares to depart. Dec. 15, 2021 (Casey Williams)

MORE: Tornado relief for Kentucky: Supply drive underway; here’s list of needed items, drop-off sites

The Associated Press contributed to this report.