Minot helicopter flight supports hurricane relief efforts

  • Published
  • By Maj. Dani Johnson
  • 5th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. (AFPN) --  Four 54th Helicopter Flight Airmen and one UH-1N Huey helicopter departed here early Sept. 2 en route to Columbus Air Force Base, Miss., to assist in the Hurricane Katrina disaster response.

The crew, comprising two pilots, a flight engineer and a civilian maintenance crew chief, along with two additional crews and maintainers will be bused at Columbus and will aid relief efforts throughout the southeastern region.

“We are pleased to support the disaster response efforts in the southeast,” said Col. Dan Ciechanowski, the 91st Operations Group commander. “Our crews are trained to conduct the missions required and are very happy to be able to help those in need during this dire humanitarian crisis.”

The crews are trained in search and rescue as well as transporting people and supplies to areas where ground travel is not available. Specific mission requirements will be determined once the crews are in place.

“I’m excited, but also there is a sadness to why we are going down there,” said Capt. David Fink, a 54th HF pilot. “I hope we can help out as much as we can. It’s great to be able to do the job we are trained to do -- help people.”

The civilian crew chiefs on the mission are all prior military helicopter mechanics.

“This is fun for my guys. We are all pumped up,” said David Licht, site manager. “The crew chiefs will provide maintenance very similar to how they do here, but under field conditions.”

Five helicopters and about 55 people from F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo., Malmstrom AFB, Mont., and Vandenberg AFB, Calif., also have deployed to support the relief effort.

“We extend our condolences to the victims of Hurricane Katrina,” said Maj. Gen. Frank Klotz, 20th AF commander. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all the citizens of the affected towns and counties, and to their families during these difficult and trying times."