FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 
Wednesday, March 2, 2011             

CONTACT:
Capt. Michael Odgers
(720) 785-3860

CENTENNIAL, Colo. (3/2/11) –  The Colorado Army National Guard will be hosting a media open house for its newest aircraft, the LUH-72 Lakota helicopter, at Buckley Air Force Base, Thursday March 3rd at 12:30 p.m.

This event is not open to the public.

The Lakota is replacing the OH-58 Kiowas of Company D, 3rd Battalion 140th Security and Support Aviation, Colorado Army National Guard. The U.S. Army has been replacing the aging, UH-1 Iroquois and OH-58 fleet with the new Lakota

While the Lakota does have an observation platform, this unit has transformed its mission from reconnaissance to medical evacuation. In addition to these two variants, the Lakota also has a VIP variant to fly senior leaders, a training-specific modification, a Guard-specific aircraft for homeland security, and a standard-package aircraft used for a variety of missions. 

“We are very happy to have four new aircraft for the COARNG and are excited to be the first mountain state to be fielded. We look forward to integrating them into our fleet and new mission sets for COARNG,” said Col. Joel Best, state Army aviation officer.

Factsheets:
LUH-72 Lakota
OH-58 Kiowa

Note to editors: Media interested in attending this open house must confirm with Capt. Michael Odgers at (720) 785-3860.  In order to enter Buckley, media must arrive at the Mississippi Avenue gate, just east of Tower Road, no later than 12:00. Media must enter through the commercial vehicle inspection lane and provide vehicle registration and proof of insurance. Media will be escorted to the open house.

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