U.S. Department of Defense
10/09/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 10/10/2024 18:17
After Hurricane Milton, Service Members Answer the Call
Before, during and after catastrophic hurricanes, the Defense Department and other uniformed service members are always ready to respond and adapt to any contingency through proper outfitting, practice and coordination. Hurricane Milton made landfall on the west coast of the Florida peninsula as a Category 3 hurricane bringing substantial wind gusts, dangerous storm surge and flash flooding.
The day after the hurricane, service members quickly pivoted to provide support in a variety of areas, including citizen check-ins and surveys and search and rescue missions.
Safety Check
A Florida National Guardsman assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 116th Field Artillery Regiment checks in with a resident following Hurricane Milton during a survey and assist patrol in Kissimmee, Fla., Oct. 10, 2024.
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Service members also began debris cleanup efforts and worked to distribute humanitarian aid.
Survey and Assist
Florida National Guardsmen assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 116th Field Artillery Regiment conduct a survey and assist patrol following Hurricane Milton in Kissimmee, Fla., Oct. 10, 2024.
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Clearing Debris
Florida National Guardsmen assigned to the 753rd Brigade Engineer Battalion, 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team inspect debris left by Hurricane Milton before beginning clearing efforts in Plass-a-Grille, Fla., Oct. 10, 2024.
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Giving a Lift
Soldiers assigned to the Florida Army National Guard's 1448th Chemical Company assist in high-water rescue missions in Seminole County, Fla., Oct. 10, 2024. The Florida National Guard remains committed to ensuring the safety of residents in the areas most affected by Hurricane Milton.
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Credit:Army courtesy photo by Maj. James Suber
VIRIN:240925-A-A5037-7900R
Hurricane preparation and recovery is an all-hands-on-deck effort, including storm tracking and surveying damage from the air.
From the skies, the Air Force's Hurricane Hunters flew reconnaissance missions into the eye of the storm to track and gather critical data, working in coordination with hurricane specialists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. After the storm, Florida National Guardsmen conducted flight operations to support response efforts.
Milton's Reach
This NOAA GOES-East satellite image shows Hurricane Milton's reach at 3:40 p.m., Oct. 9, 2024.
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Milton Aftermath
Florida National Guard soldiers assigned to the 1-111th General Support Aviation Battalion conduct flight operations along the west coast of Florida while supporting Hurricane Milton response efforts, Oct. 10, 2024. Guardsmen provided air capabilities to support search and rescue missions following the storm's landfall.
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More than 5,000 members of the Florida National Guard were mobilized to prepare for recovery efforts ahead of the hurricane's arrival.
Flood Mitigation
Florida Army National Guardsmen help deploy a flood mitigation device to protect a hospital from potential flooding from Hurricane Milton in Sanford, Fla., Oct. 8, 2024.
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Before the hurricane, while members of the Florida National Guard deployed flood prevention equipment, U.S. Army North prepared high-water rescue vehicles, helicopters for search and rescue operations, force to support Federal Emergency Management search and rescue teams and medium-lift helicopters for moving personnel and equipment.
Meanwhile, Coast Guard cutters and Navy Sea Hawks and ships moved to safer areas ahead of Hurricane Milton's anticipated landfall and began preparing for recovery efforts after the storm passes.
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In preparation for recovery efforts, soldiers assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 20th Special Force Group conducted search and rescue training exercises.
Search and Rescue
Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group, conducts urban search and rescue water training at Camp Blanding, Fla., Oct. 8, 2024. The unit is practicing techniques to rescue stranded citizens once Hurricane Milton subsides.
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Credit:Air Force Senior Airman Thomas S. Keisler IV
VIRIN:241008-Z-HQ196-1024
Water Rescue
Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group, conduct urban search and rescue water training at Camp Blanding, Fla., Oct. 8, 2024. The unit is practicing techniques to rescue stranded citizens once Hurricane Milton subsides.
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Download:Full Size (5.87 MB)
Credit:Air Force Senior Airman Thomas S. Keisler IV
VIRIN:241008-Z-HQ196-1118
More Information About Hurricane Milton