Delaware National
Guard832nd Medical Co. deploys
By Sgt. W. Scott Boeckelmann
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Lt. Col. Robert Davis addresses the deploying soldiers. |
Two UH-1V (Huey) helicopters from the Detachment 1, 832nd Medical Company (Air Ambulance) with 16 detachment members onboard departed The New Castle Airport for a one-year deployment on Thursday, January 30. One month ago, members of the 832nd were alerted for possible deployment. It was unclear as to where or when they would go. The 832nd underwent a Mobilization Exercise to prepare for deployment during their January drill.
On January 22, 16 members from the Delaware detachment were chosen to go. The mission is to team up in Wisconsin with that detachment of the 832nd, then depart for Fort Lewis, Wash. The purpose of this deployment is to back fill the active duty Medivac Company stationed at Fort Lewis who was deployed overseas.
The week following the January drill was a busy one; all members were place on active duty for five days. Maintenance personnel were given the task of preparing the two "Victor Model" Hueys for deployment. The task included installing cargo hooks, rigging flight controls for the installation of the rescue hoists in Wisconsin, painting the "Red Crosses" on the aircraft, and all schedule and upcoming maintenance was to be preformed prior to departure. The deploying soldiers from the 832nd started their active duty status January 28.
The flight crews were scheduled to depart on January 29; however, due to ice and snow, their departure was delayed one day. The remainder of the soldiers will depart Philadelphia on Sunday, February 2. Once everyone from the Delaware and Wisconsin units arrives at Fort Lewis, they will continue on as an active duty unit for one year.
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Gov. Ruth Ann Minner speaks some encouraging words. |
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From L to R Irv Smith,Steve Rosinski, CW4 Jahn Hitchens, 1st Lt. Pete Emerson. |
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Pilot Chip Thompson checks his aircraft. |
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One last goodbye for the family of Chip Thompson. |
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From L to R Chip Thompson, Mr. Chadwick, Andy Blittman and Dom. |
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The crew of aircraft 097 strap themselves in. |
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Both aircraft are ready to go. |
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Both aircraft are finally rolled out of the hanger. |
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All set and ready. |
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Aircraft 162 sporting the new Medivac crosses. |
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Just how much can a Huey carry? |
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162 is the first to leave. |
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097 following 162. |
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097 creating a partial white out with the loose snow. |
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Farewell and God Bless. |
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