Aircrews from the Tennessee National Guard’s 1-230th Assault Helicopter Battalion continue to help Floridians in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. Three UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters from Nashville and Jackson, Tenn., are currently in Fort Myers assisting with rescue and recovery efforts.
The three aircraft flew to Tallahassee last Wednesday, ahead of the storm, and once the hurricane passed through Florida, they flew farther south.
Since Thursday, the aircraft have primarily been airlifting food, water, and other supplies to Sanibel, Pine, and Captiva Islands southwest of Fort Myers. The islands suffered severe storm damage and the Matlacha Bridge and Sanibel Causeway were destroyed, stranding residents on the islands.
Additionally, the Tennesseans are airlifting specially trained K9 urban search and rescue teams into remote areas to assist with rescuing people trapped by the debris.
Crewmembers from the Tennessee National Guard’s 1-230th Assault Helicopter Battalion load bottled water on a Blackhawk helicopter for transport to victims of Hurricane Ian. Crews continue to ferry food, water, and other supplies to islands disconnected from the mainland since Ian made landfall last week. (Submitted photo)
