Black Hawk helicopters add to West Virginia Guard battalion’s arsenal

WHEELING, W.Va. — West Virginia National Guard officials have unveiled the latest tool in a battalion’s arsenal — UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters.

The Journal reports the nine helicopters will be used by aviators at Company C, 1st Battalion, 150th Aviation Regiment.

The aircraft will be based in Wheeling at the Guard's Army Aviation Support Facility, where the 150th is located.

RELATED

National Guardsman honored for saving 14 people in floods

A member of the West Virginia National Guard has been recognized for saving the lives of more than 14 people during one night of the state’s historic flooding last year.

Maj. Fred Nicely says stepping into the new Black Hawk model is like "being a kid on Christmas morning."

For decades, missions by battalion aviators were done in older-model, hand-me-down helicopters — first the Bell UH-1 “Huey” and, starting in 2002, Sikorsky’s UH-60A/L Black Hawk.

The 150th deployed overseas twice since Sept. 11, 2001 — to Iraq in 2005 and to Bosnia/Kosovo in 2010-11.

It also serves West Virginians in times of need.

RELATED

This grandmother returned from Syria in her first deployment in the National Guard

Sixteen years ago at age 41, Monica Willis, then a member of the Cross Lanes-based Army Reserve’s 261st Ordnance Co., was looking forward to what was to have been a deployment to Iraq.

By Rick Steelhammer, Charleston (W.Va.) Gazette-Mail via the AP

More In Your Army

Here are this year’s 82nd Airborne Division Hall of Fame honorees

Nine paratroopers will be inducted into the 82nd Airborne Division Hall of Fame.

Army sergeant’s rented car fell into Lithuanian river at drawbridge

The vehicle moved forward into the open gap, falling into the Dane River. Local divers recovered the Soldier’s body shortly after the event.

A year after Afghanistan’s fall, a Marine veteran reflects on collapse

Marine Raider veteran Elliot Ackerman talks loyalty, collapse and Stu Scheller.

Preying on patriots — Scams more likely to target troops, vets

A steady income and benefits, a desire to help, frequent moves and deployments, and more make military members and families particular targets of scammers.

Surface navy looks for ways to more quickly field ships, weapons

The Navy is too slow to get new ships and shipboard systems out on deployment, a 3-star admiral says. Growing threats mean the Navy must move faster.

In Other News

Plan to erase $4B in ITT student loans won’t restore GI Bill benefits

More than 200,000 students who attended the school will see loans forgiven, but veterans won't get their education benefits back.

Disney’s Veterans Institute shares insights on civilian opportunities

Disney's Veterans Institute will feature speakers from a number of companies and non-profits sharing insights on navigating civilian employment.

The retention dilemma will not be solved by early officer promotions

For myself and many of my fellow airmen, a more meaningful role — tailoring my career to my personal strengths — would yield more job satisfaction.

US forces in Syria decry suicide drone and rocket attacks

Coalition forces were attacked by aerial drones Monday at a U.S. base in rebel-held southern Syria.

Veteran who testified against friend avoids prison for Jan. 6

Prosecutors did not seek prison time for Jacob Fracker, pointing to his cooperation and trial testimony against Army veteran Thomas Robertson.

Why comparing VA home loans to other options might soon get easier

Advocates have expressed concerns many veterans are missing out on benefits from the VA home loan program.

How much land does the military really own?

The U.S. military has nearly 30 million acres around the world.

Austin quarantining with second bout of COVID-19

Austin first contracted COVID early this year, though both cases have presented only mild symptoms.

Army promises thorough investigation after soldier’s death in Germany

“We take any and all accusations regarding this incident seriously and request everyone refrain from posting unsubstantiated information to social media."

Surprise, kill, vanish: ‘Jedburghs’ led way for US cyber, special ops

WWII's "Jedburghs" show how an unconventional take on cross-functional partnerships can operate effectively in politically sensitive environment.

Load More