FOR RELEASE:
Monday, June 8, 2020
CONTACT:
Colorado National Guard Public Affairs, ng.co.coarng.list.militarysupport@mail.mil
Colorado National Guard aviation unit trains for wildland fire season with local, state partners
CENTENNIAL, Colo. – The 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 135th Regiment, Colorado Army National Guard, will conduct water bucket operations at Chatfield Reservoir, Littleton, Colorado, June 9-12, in preparation for wildland fire season.
The Colorado Army National Guard must maintain annual proficiency to assist local and state partners in combating wildfires.
“This proficiency based, mission essential training will ensure our flight teams are prepared to response to wildland fires in Colorado and anywhere our civilian partners require aerial firefighting support,” State Army Aviation Safety Officer U.S. Army Col. William Gentle said. “This event allows aircrews and ground support the ability to train together and build a common operating picture across multiple organizations.”
Other agencies participating include Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, U.S. Forest Service, Boulder Fire-Rescue, Buckley Fire & Emergency Services, and Chatfield State Park.
This training will be conducted using LUH-72 Lakota, UH-60 Blackhawk and CH-47 Chinook helicopters. The aircraft will drop water on simulated fire sites in order to build proficiency in fighting wildland fires and in assisting ground forces during real-world scenarios. Chatfield Reservoir will act as both the dip and drop site. Up to eight aircraft will participate in the training from approximately 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Aircraft will operate in the vicinity of Chatfield State Park and Buckley Air Force Base, Aurora, Colorado.