PrivateSky Aviation just finished hosting a fleet of helicopters and National Guard personnel.

The crews were stationed at PrivateSky’s facilities at Southwest Florida International Airport as a base of operations to provide relief, rescue missions and surveying damage following Hurricane Milton, CEO Victoria Wolanin said. PrivateSky also hosted the National Guard in 2022 following Hurricane Ian.

“Whenever we get the call that we might be able to help our community, we jump right in,” Wolanin said. “It was an honor to be called on again by the National Guard. All our dedicated team members and their commitment to excellence makes sure we always keep our promise.”

On Oct. 10, nine Chinooks and Black Hawks were taking off and landing on the PrivateSky tarmac, she said.

There were about 135 personnel on hand, as well.

“They went out and surveyed all of our coastal areas all the way up to Sarasota,” Wolanin said. “Two years ago, when Hurricane Ian came through, we ended up being the military rescue base for 14 days. We did the same thing this time.”

Search and rescue missions in Southwest Florida have ended, she said, so the crews will move out of the area and to those in more need.

“Some will head north to aid in the efforts,” she said.