GRAND ISLAND -- The Nebraska Army National Guard has secured four new helicopters designed for medical flights, air support and other homeland defense missions.
Two of the four helicopters were unveiled to the public this week during a special ceremony at the Guard's Army Aviation Support Facility No. 2 in Grand Island.
The twin-engine LUH-72A Lakota helicopters are configured for medical missions and air support. The Guard will use them for transporting medical personnel, supplies and equipment, helping firefighting efforts and conducting search-and-rescue missions.
The model is being fielded in Army National Guard units across the United States. The helicopter, which is a militarized version of the Eurocopter EC145 built by the American Eurocopter division of EADS North American, is replacing the National Guard's aging fleet of UH-1H/V and OH-58A/C helicopters nationwide.
"The Lakota is a state-of-the-art helicopter providing Nebraska multiple capabilities in critical light utility missions," said Maj. Gen. Judd Lyons, Nebraska's adjutant general.
Myron Long Soldier of the Oglala Sioux Tribe blessed the helicopters, along with the men and women who serve in the military. Two other Lakota helicopters were expected to arrive at the facility during the ceremony, but weather problems prevented their travel.
Four additional Lakotas configured for homeland defense missions are expected to arrive in Nebraska in 2013. They will be stationed in Lincoln.
Lyons said the naming of the helicopters after Native American tribes "reminds us of the commonalities of pride, service and helping out our neighbors."
Also at the ceremony was Lt. Gov. Rick Sheehy, who heads Nebraska's homeland security operations.
"The importance of us receiving these new aircraft in the Nebraska National Guard is providing capabilities for our soldiers to respond 24 hours per day, seven days a week," Sheehy said.
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