Minot Airmen continue North Dakota flood support

  • Published
  • By Laurie Arellano
  • 5th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. (AFNS) --  Two Air Force helicopters relocated from the Bismarck, N.D., flood area to Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., March 27 in support of flood relief efforts along the Red River.

Officials from the 91st Missile Wing from Minot AFB sent two hoist-equipped UH-1N Hueys from the 54th Helicopter Squadron to Bismarck March 25 to assist with flood relief there as the Missouri River continued to rise. 

An ice jam added to the problems in that area, and 54th HS members were called upon to support efforts to break it up, and now stand ready where they will perform search and rescue and other support missions if called upon.

"We flew a total of about 10 hours in support of the demolition," said Senior Airman Timothy Merlin, a 54th HS flight engineer. "We were transporting people to and from the ice jam and flying teams conducting video surveillance of the area."

As the situation in Bismarck stabilized, the two helicopters and crews were relocated to Grand Forks AFB where they are expected to perform search-and-rescue missions as the river there continues to rise. The helicopters are being moved to Grand Forks AFB staging as part of a larger U.S. Northern Command task force.

"I'm glad the 91st Missile Wing has the capability to assist our North Dakota neighbors in their time of need. I'm proud of everyone's hard work that makes this team effort possible," said Col. Christopher Ayres, the 91st MW commander.

While deployed to Grand Forks AFB, the helicopters are a part a combined military and civilian effort to provide relief and services to the affected area.

"We are always ready to do whatever is needed," Airman Merlin said.

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