United States - October 10, 2024

In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Milton's landfall near Siesta Key on October 9, 2024, the skies above Florida's west coast buzzed with activity as U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Miami launched a critical overflight assessment. On October 10, airplane crews embarked on a mission not just to survey the devastation but to actively search for individuals in distress.

The hurricane, which brought with it torrential rains and ferocious winds, left a trail of destruction that could only be fully comprehended from the air. The Coast Guard's aerial teams, equipped with the latest technology for spotting signs of life amidst the wreckage, flew over the battered coastline.

Their mission was twofold: to assess the damage wreaked by Milton, providing invaluable data for relief efforts, and to locate and assist any survivors or those in urgent need of rescue. The overflight was a beacon of hope for those isolated by the storm, offering a chance for swift intervention by emergency services.