SANDSTON, Va. –
A Virginia National Guard Black Hawk helicopter crew and members of the Chesterfield County Fire and Emergency Medical Services Scuba Rescue Team deployed from Sandston, Virginia, to Florida Oct. 8, 2024, to provide support for expected impacts of Hurricane Milton. The VNG aviators and Chesterfield first responders form the Virginia Helicopter Aquatic Rescue Team, providing rotary wing aviation hoist capabilities and aerial rescue evacuation. Four VNG Soldiers and three Chesterfield techs make up each HART crew.
Florida requested rotary wing rescue hoist capabilities through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact system, and the HART will be integrated into Florida’s multi-agency response and employed where needed.
“I think it’s so important that we respond the way we are, and I want to thank all of you for going,” said Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin to the assembled HART team members at the Army Aviation Support Facility prior to the team’s departure. “I know you will do what you’ve been professionally trained to do so well. Most importantly, there are going to be some people who need your help. It’s going to be a big storm. There’s a real need, so I appreciate all of you who put a hand up and said ‘send me.’”
Since the program’s inception in 2011, the HART has deployed for hurricane response, flown countless hours over the waterways and landscapes of Virginia and now boasts approximately 20 trained technicians. The HART most recently deployed to Southwest Virginia in the wake of Hurricane Helene and rescued six citizens Sept. 27-28. It was the first time since the team started training together they conducted a real-world rescue mission.
“Helping anyone in our time of need is why we’re here,” said HART pilot Capt. Charles Jackson. “Going down to Florida, it’s different from what we operate in, and there are unknowns about what it’s going to look like down there. At the end of the day it’s about helping people, so we’re happy to do it.”
“This is an elite team. Everyone on this team is top-notch, and I’m happy to be working with them,” said Chesterfield Fire & EMS Rescue Technician Tyler Younce. “Having the opportunity to go down to Florida and potentially save lives, that’s the goal. The bond we share with the aviators from the National Guard is second to none. We train with these guys and we’re one big family. We’ve got their backs and they have ours.“
The HART provides rotary wing aviation rescue hoist capabilities and can conduct aerial rescue evacuation in situations with a potential loss of life, limb or eyesight or significant property damage. Virginia’s aviators bring the capabilities of their UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters to the fight, while Chesterfield brings first responders with swift-water rescue training and other life-saving proficiencies.
Because the HART’s mission is so dangerous, the team averages training every quarter to maintain proficiency and train new personnel.
Photos:
VNG aviation crews depart for Hurricane Milton support mission
https://www.flickr.com/photos/vaguardpao/albums/72177720320995040
Photos: VA HART conducts rescue hoists after Hurricane Helene - Sept. 27-28, 2024
Photos: HART, first responders practice rescue hoists on James River - Sept. 12, 2024
https://www.flickr.com/photos/vaguardpao/albums/72177720320293504