Army Blackhawks to land among Warhawks

Auburn University at Montgomery’s campus will serve as a site for about 60 Army ROTC cadets to conduct helicopter load training exercises on Friday, Feb. 28.

Two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters will land on greenspace near the AUM walking trails for the group of Army ROTC Mustang Battalion cadets from AUM, Alabama State University and Troy University to conduct training starting at noon on that day. The training will last two hours, focusing on safe procedures for loading and unloading helicopters in combat and other military operations.

“These helicopters are one of the Army’s primary means for transporting personnel and equipment around an area of operations,” said Lt. Col. Andrew Henderson, Army ROTC Professor of Military Science at AUM. “By exposing cadets to helicopter operations now, they’ll be better prepared to lead their soldiers in similar environments.”

For the filed training exercises, the Alabama National Guard has provided two Blackhawk helicopters with three to four crew members stationed to each aircraft to assist with the load training exercises, Henderson said.

“Last year, AUM Army ROTC cadets trained with a CH-47 Chinook helicopter,” he said. “This year we’re excited to introduce cadets to a different aircraft to enhance their leadership, tactical and solider skills through 30- to 40-minute rotations on each helicopter. Cadets will also have the opportunity to engage directly with the aircrews.”

Following the training, helicopter tours will be available at the discretion of the aircrews.

“We ask the public to be respectful of the crews and follow their instructions,” Henderson said. “The helicopters have a limited time window on campus and in the air, so operational needs may shorten the opportunity for interaction.”