News Releases for February 2002
February 5, 2002
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Hoeven Announces National Guard To Receive Black Hawk Helicopters
BISMARCK, N.D. - Governor John Hoeven today announced at a meeting of the Governor's Task Force on Military Affairs that the North Dakota Army National Guard will receive its first UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters later this year. The Guard will eventually receive eight of the utility aircraft.
“These are important resources to help the North Dakota Army National Guard respond to state and federal missions,” Hoeven said. “Converting to the Black Hawks will allow them to better continue in their role of training and responding to emergencies.”
Governor Hoeven worked with the North Dakota National Guard; the U.S. Department of Defense; the Congressional delegation; and North Dakota Adjutant General, Maj. General Michael Haugen, to secure the helicopters as part of the Guard’s continuing helicopter modernization drive.
“Over 1,500 Black Hawks serve with active duty and National Guard units around the world,” Maj. Gen. Michael Haugen said. “It is the Army’s primary means of transporting troops on the battlefield and will be a welcome addition to our inventory.”
The Black Hawk helicopter has two engines and can carry up to 13 passengers as well as carry a 9,000-pound external load. The Black Hawks will be stationed in Bismarck with the National Guard’s Aviation Battalion. They will replace the aging Vietnam era UH-1H “Huey” as the principal aircraft in the North Dakota National Guard inventory.
Additional information on the Black Hawk can be found at www.sikorsky.com/programs/blackhawk/
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