Hochul deploys 65 NY National Guard soldiers, airmen to assist with the impact of Hurricane Milton in Florida

NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – Gov. Kathy Hochul deployed 65 New York National Guard soldiers and airmen to Florida to assist in the response to Hurricane Milton on Wednesday.

“As hurricanes wreak devastation across the Southeastern U.S., New York is stepping up to support those in need,” Hochul said. “We are sending the New York National Guard to help protect Floridians in the path of Hurricane Milton, providing vital resources and standing united with our neighbors during this crisis.”

The New York National Guard deployment includes 41 soldiers, who will travel with 10 Humvees to offer general support. They will depart for Florida aboard a C-17 Globemaster III transport plane, operated by the 105th Airlift Wing based at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh.

Additionally, 24 pararescue airmen based on Long Island, will deploy with watercraft and specialized vehicles. The Airmen, who are highly trained EMTs with skills in parachuting, scuba diving, and survival, will head to Florida aboard and rescue aircraft. The New York contingent will be stationed north of the hurricane's projected landfall, preparing to assist before the storm hits.

“Our Soldiers and Airmen are amazing in how they respond at a moment’s notice. I’m incredibly proud of their dedication and professionalism,” Major General Ray Shields said.

In addition to the deployment to Florida, the New York National Guard currently has 48 soldiers and airmen stationed in North Carolina, where they continue to assist with storm response efforts.

Tropical storm-force winds have begun lashing the western coast of Florida as Hurricane Milton draws closer, the National Hurricane Center said in an advisory Wednesday afternoon.

Officials said at 3 p.m. that the Category 4 storm’s center was 120 miles southwest of Tampa and 110 miles west of Fort Myers. It had maximum sustained winds of 130 mph.

The storm is expected to make landfall Wednesday night.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.