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News from the Oklahoma National Guard

NEWS | Feb. 4, 2025

Heavy maintenance operations keep OKGuard Black Hawks mission-ready

By Spc. Danielle Rayon

01:29
VIDEO | 01:29 | Heavy maintenance operations keep OKGuard Black Hawks mission-ready

Helicopter repairers performed heavy maintenance on the Oklahoma National Guard’s UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters at the Army Aviation Support Facility in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Dec. 17, 2024.

The Black Hawk mechanic’s function is essential to maintaining the performance and safety standards of the aircraft, and includes performing inspections and replacing faulty parts. Their job is an integral part of successfully carrying out missions such as disaster relief and counter-drug operations.

“As a Black Hawk mechanic, our daily duties usually consist of visual inspections,” said Sgt. Chad Hill, a flying crew chief/helicopter repairer assigned to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 244th Aviation Regiment. “It’s very seldom that something does break, but when it does, we jump right into action and we’ll get that bird fixed.”
Video by Leanna Maschino
Exercise Thunderstruck 2.0 Tests Oklahoma Guard's UAS Capabilities
Oklahoma National Guard
Sept. 13, 2025 | 2:13
Package: Members of the Oklahoma National Guard conduct Exercise Thunderstruck 2.0 at Camp Gruber Training Center near Braggs, Oklahoma. The exercise tested concepts for countering an evolving threat environment and drew visitors from across the state and world, including industry leaders, National Guard representatives, active-duty forces, and emergency management officials. Training included a Chinook infill, tactical movement through wooded terrain and clearance of an enemy trench system under simulated multi-domain threats, highlighting the integration of emerging technologies to enhance lethality, improve survivability, and sustain readiness for future conflicts. CG Information: Lt. Col. Brent Hill (00:08-00:14) Director, OKNG UAS/Launched Effects Program Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Mancino (00:28-00:30) The adjutant general for Oklahoma Additional footage by: Sgt. Haden Tolbert Senior Airman Erika Chapa Sgt. Cambrie Cannon Sgt. Joe Pena Sgt. Kenshi Kaneshiro
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