Minot Airmen render aid to flood efforts

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Wesley Wright
  • 5th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. (AFNS) --  Eight Airmen on two UH-1N Huey helicopters loaded with rescue equipment 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. 

An ice jam north of Bismarck broke, which sent flood waters from the Missouri River toward the city and evacuations were ordered in riverside areas.

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

Minot AFB rescue Airmen are expected to be postured for five days, but are remaining flexible to the needs of the state. The Airmen augment an Army National Guard unit in Bismarck.

"The request came in because of the hoist capability we have," Colonel Lowe said. "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 UH-1N has a forward looking infrared system, called FLIR, which is a high-tech camera with features such as night vision and thermal heat-seeking capabilities. The FLIR system has advanced magnifying and recording capabilities and is used to scan surrounding areas during missions.

According to flood experts, one of the main concerns in the flood effort is 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, a 54th HS flight engineer. "We can also dump salt wherever it's needed." 

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

"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." 

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