HUTCHINSON, Kan. — It certainly got a lot of attention Monday morning as a U.S. Army National Guard Black Hawk helicopter touched down in the small field next to the Atrium Convention Center.
The aircraft and its crew were a part of the noon Hutchinson Rotary Club dinner meeting. The
speaker was Lt. Col. Todd Coughney, who spoke about the recent service the helicopter and crew provided during the March wildfires in Reno County. Coughney also talked to the Rotary about what the National Guard can provide, and how the civic organization can help them as well, by showing area young adults the opportunities in the Guard.
Once the Black Hawk landed, it didn’t take long for residents to come over and take a close look at the aircraft. The crew was more than happy to show everyone its inner workings.
During the wildfires, the Black Hawk flew water drop missions in the area, filling up at the gravel pit near Nickerson. The water bladder used in the operation carries 660 gallons of water and weighs about 6,000 pounds when loaded.