Press Release – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 21, 2009
Doss Aviation Deploys to Aid North Dakota Flood Efforts
On March 25th, two UH-1N Huey helicopters from the 54th Helicopter Squadron and 91st Missile Wing located at Minot AFB, North Dakota deployed to support State authorities in flood efforts in Bismarck, after President Barack Obama declared the state a federal disaster area.
Three Doss Aviation employees accompanied the two helicopters and provided maintenance support for the deployed helicopters. Mr. James Warner, Mr. Mark Pullen, and Mr. Ole Silva ensured all helicopter systems operated properly and were available in case they were needed to accomplish a mission. These systems included the rescue hoist and a forward looking infrared system, called FLIR, which is a high-tech camera with features such as night vision and thermal heat-seeking capabilities. The FLIR system has advanced magnifying and recording capabilities and is used to scan surrounding areas during missions.
Among the missions flown, crews and aircraft were called on to support efforts to break up an ice jam north of Bismarck. Authorities were fearful that an uncontrolled ice break would send flood waters from the Missouri River toward the city. Crews aided ground crews and supported evacuations in riverside areas. The helicopters were requested to aid in search and recovery operations. One of the support missions also supported North Dakota Governor John Hoeven as he surveyed the flooded area. Recovery operations were also conducted in the Grand Forks area where flight crews performed search and rescue and other support missions in support of flood relief efforts along the Red River.
“I’m glad the 91st Missile Wing has the capability to assist our North Dakota neighbors in their time of need. I’m proud of everyone’s hard work that makes this team effort possible,“ said Colonel Chris Ayres, missile wing commander.
Doss Aviation provides UH-1N maintenance to Minot Air Force Base as part of a 7-year, contract with the U.S. Air Force Space Command headquartered at Peterson AFB, Colorado. The contract also supports helicopter maintenance at F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming, Malmstrom AFB, Montana, and Yokota Air Base, Japan.
