CHEYENNE, Wyo. – The Wyoming Army National Guard's G Company, 2nd Battalion, 211th Aviation Regiment, was activated by Gov. Mark Gordon to support firefighting efforts in California.
One UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and four crew members left Sept. 10 and will be operating from Mather Airport near Sacramento. The helicopter and crew will be in the area until Sept. 25 unless extended by request.
The Black Hawk is equipped with a collapsible bucket that holds about 660 gallons of water that can be dropped on hot spots that are difficult for ground crews to access.
"Our highly trained and experienced Soldiers continue to be a sword and shield for the state and nation when called upon," said Maj. Gen. Greg Porter, adjutant general of Wyoming. "We have the capability to aid another state in need and provide another resource to California and their citizens to help mitigate the loss of life and property during what is now been characterized as California's worst fire season on record."
The activation is in conjunction with National Guard Support to Civil Authorities and the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). When a governor declares a state of emergency or disaster, EMAC allows states to send personnel, equipment and commodities to assist with response and recovery efforts in that state.