United States is deploying helicopters for assistance to the endangered in Montenegro

In response to the Montenegrin Government’s request for assistance from NATO, the United States is deploying two U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopters and a support crew of over 40 to Montenegro.  One of the Black Hawk helicopters is a HH-60 medical evacuation aircraft, while the other is a HH-60 Lift Helicopter.  Both will support the Montenegrin Government’s efforts to deliver critical supplies and provide rescue services, including medical evacuation support, to those stranded in the areas most heavily hit by the recent snowfall.  The helicopters and crew come from the 1-214th Aviation Battalion of the United States Army 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, the largest aviation brigade in the U.S. Army, headquartered in Katterbach, Germany.  The brigade conducts missions in a variety of locations.  The versatile Black Hawk helicopters are a top choice for tactical missions and are known for being dependable and rugged.  Also supporting the mission in a command and control function, are members of the 361st Civil Affairs, part of the 7th Civil Support Command in Kaiserslautern Germany.

Support crews, including pilots, helicopter technicians, and a command team arrived in Montenegro the early afternoon of Sunday, February 19.  The Blackhawk helicopters are expected to touch down in Montenegro on Monday, February 20 or Tuesday, February 21.