Feature story UH-72A Lakota brings increased capabilities to relief effort in Haiti

January 25, 2010

A Puerto Rico National Guard UH-72A is loaded with water and other supplies prior to its departure to support humanitarian relief efforts after the Haiti earthquake.

The UH-72A Lakota’s capabilities in humanitarian efforts are being demonstrated as this multi-mission helicopter supports disaster response operations following the January 12 earthquake in Haiti.

The Light Utility Helicopter has been deployed by the Puerto Rico National Guard to neighboring Dominican Republic – where it is being utilized to transport people, cargo and supplies as part of a multi-national relief effort.

The Puerto Rico National Guard received two Lakotas in May 2009, equipped for general aviation and support missions. Operated by this unit’s Detachment B/1-114AV, these helicopters represent the first UH-72As to be based outside the continental United States.

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