NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Arkansas National Guard has dispatched a Black Hawk helicopter and crew to storm-ravaged Florida in advance of a still-bigger storm due to hit Wednesday.
Guard officials said the HH-60M and crew were dispatched for an 11-day mission on Tuesday. They will assist the Florida National Guard and provide hoist and airlift support after Hurricane Milton passes.
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Officials said the crew and helicopter will stage overnight in the Florida panhandle until the storm passes.
The five-person crew consists of two pilots, two crew chiefs and a medic. The crew took a water rescue basket with them to facilitate rescuing people of all ages and pets.
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Arkansas Brig. Gen. Chad Bridges said the HH-60M dispatch is a first for the upgraded helicopter.
“This is our first operational state active-duty mission for our newest model Black Hawk, the HH-60M,” Bridges said. “It’s also the first time we’re going to operate outside the state with the Arkansas Urban Search and Rescue Task Force-1 team from central Arkansas who is sending four personnel.”
The crews are well trained and prepared for the mission, Bridges added.
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Officials said the support is provided through an Emergency Management Assistance Compact between Florida and Arkansas.
You can help victims trying to recover from hurricane damage
by donating to the American Red Cross.