Hurricane Milton victims will be getting assistance from the New York National Guard. Governor Kathy Hochul deployed airmen from the 106th Rescue Wing and soldiers from Syracuse to assist fellow service members from the Florida National Guard.
The New York Air National Guard deployed 24 pararescue airmen from the 106th Rescue Wing, which is based at F.S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach.
“We’re proud of our Airmen as they continue their mission to save lives and provide critical assistance in times of need. Stay safe out there! We got you Florida!” said the 106th.
The pararescue airmen are all trained EMTs who go through extensive training that involves parachuting, scuba diving, and survival skills. The 106th deployed with watercraft and specialized vehicles. The New York National Guard contingent was on the ground north of the hurricane’s expected landfall before the storm hit.
Pararescuemen from the 103rd Rescue Squadron and support, assigned to the New York Air National Guard’s 106th Rescue Wing, loaded up one HC-130J Combat King II search and rescue aircraft and headed out to be part of the team.
Governor Hochul activated part of the Guard saying, “As hurricanes wreak devastation along much of the Southeastern United States, we are stepping up to support response efforts for those in need,” Hochul said in a written statement. “I am deploying the New York National Guard to protect Floridians in the path of Hurricane Milton — offering resources, assistance and standing united with our neighbors in this time of crisis.”
Major General Ray Shields said, “At the direction of Governor Hochul, the New York National Guard is ready to support our fellow citizens in Florida, as Hurricane Milton heads for their state. Our Soldiers and Airmen are simply amazing at the way they respond on very short notice. I could not be prouder of their dedication and professionalism. They continue to make a difference in people’s lives every day. At the same time, the Citizen Soldiers and Airmen we have already deployed are continuing their support of the response effort in North Carolina.”
The New York National Guard currently has 48 soldiers and airmen deployed, including Army engineers and CH-47F Chinook heavy lift helicopters on storm response missions in North Carolina.