MAFB renders aid to flood efforts

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Wesley Wright
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Two UH-1N Huey helicopters loaded with rescue equipment and eight personnel from the 54th Helicopter Squadron here deployed March 25 to support state authorities in flood efforts in Bismarck, N.D, after President Barack Obama declared the state a federal disaster area.

Lending a hand during emergency situations is something the 54th HS is no stranger to, having most recently deployed in support of Joint Task Force Katrina and Rita.

"We're doing an Air Force Rescue Coordination Center-approved rescue request," said Lt. Col. David Lowe, 54th HS commander. "They requested us to support state authorities down in Bismarck in regards to potential flooding of the Missouri River."

The "Haulin' Hogs" will be augmenting Army National Guard unit in Bismarck, N.D.

One of the primary weapons the Hueys will bring to the flood efforts is hoist capabilities.

"The request came in because of the hoist capability we have," said Colonel Lowe. "The North Dakota Guard is a great unit and they have excellent resources but they don't' have hoist equipped aircraft. Hoist equipment brings a lot to the table in terms of rescue capability."

Additionally, the Huey has a Forward Looking Infrared System, which is a high-tech camera with features such as night vision and thermal heat-seeking capabilities. The FLIR system is used to scan surrounding areas during missions. The FLIR system has advanced magnifying and recording capabilities.

According to flood experts, one of the main concerns in the flood efforts are ice jams that have frozen on the north and south side of the Bismarck/Mandan region, threatening to release a sizable flood if they break free.

"Some of the support we will be providing will be flying over the ice dams and strategically placing dynamite to safely relieve pressure areas," said Senior Airman Timothy Merlin, 54th HS flight engineer. "We can also dump salt wherever it's needed."

The aircrew was notified March 24 that they would be leaving the next day, and while somber in light of the disaster, were happy for the opportunity to help people in trouble.

"This is probably the most exciting thing I've done so far," said 1st Lt. Cory Fale, 54th HS pilot. "It's good to have a skill where you can contribute to the community and potentially save lives. We train to do this and now we get a chance to show what we can do. If someone needs support, we're there."

Colonel Lowe said he has every faith and confidence in the aircrews going on the mission.

"We're sending season veterans as far as flying operations goes," Colonel Lowe said. "Some excellent copilots and flight engineers are going with them as well. We don't get to do this very often so this will be a good experience for them. I know they will do well. This is a high-caliber team."

Minot's rescue Airmen are expected to be postured 24/7 for about five days but are remaining flexible to the needs of the state.

"We're not sure how long we'll be gone," Colonel Lowe said. "But regardless, we're there to provide a safety net and rescue people who may become stranded. Any other support we can provide this state is gravy."