U.S. Army Europe helps government of Montenegro respond to heavy snowfall
Feb. 19, 2012
By U.S. Army Europe Public Affairs
HEIDELBERG, Germany -- In response to a request for assistance from NATO by the government of Montenegro, U.S. Army Europe is deploying two Black Hawk helicopters and a support crew of more than 40 Soldiers to the Balkan nation. A team of Army reservists from the 7th Civil Support Command's 361st Civil Affairs Brigade is taking part in the operation as well to provide command and control.
The Black Hawks, one a medical evacuation aircraft and the other a lift helicopter, will support the Montenegrin government’s efforts to deliver critical supplies and provide rescue services, including medical evacuation support, to people stranded in areas of Montenegro most heavily hit by recent snowfall. The helicopters and crew come from USAREUR's 1st Battalion, 214th Aviation, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, headquartered at Katterbach Army Airfield, Germany.
The support crew, including pilots, helicopter technicians and the command team arrived in Montenegro Feb. 19, while the helicopters are expected to touch down in Montenegro on Feb. 20 or 21.
Officials at the U.S. Embassy in the Montenegrin capital of Podgorica said the deployment of the aircraft follows the helicopter support already provided by NATO allies Greece, Slovenia, and Croatia to assist Montenegro in responding to the worst winter weather in decades. Record snowfalls in Montenegro have left tens of thousands in the country's mountainous north cut off and unable to receive supplies of food and fuel or medical assistance.
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