When the Latvian Air Drive lately bought new UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, the decision went out for a possible UH-60 upkeep coaching location in the US. The Michigan Military Nationwide Guard’s (MIARNG) Firm B, 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment was chosen partially because of the long-standing partnership Michigan has cultivated with Latvia by the Nationwide Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program (SPP). The primary upkeep skilled coming to Michigan, Latvian Air Drive Capt. Raimonds Lug??ins will function a check run to see how this system will develop sooner or later.
“The UH-60 is a brand new helicopter for the Latvian Air Drive. Since it’s a new system, we don’t learn about it. Getting perception on upkeep, flying, and operation from skilled guys is an effective factor,” mentioned Lug??ins.
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“After we had been requested if we may present coaching and experience to the Latvian Air Drive, we reviewed their wants and got here again with a sure. As of proper now we plan on coaching on-the-ground maintainers and crew chiefs at the back of plane,” mentioned U.S. Military Chief Warrant Officer 2 Craig Fleser, 147th Aviation Regiment particular tasks officer.
The UH-60 is a brand new helicopter for the Latvian Air Drive. Since it’s a new system, we don’t learn about it. Getting perception on upkeep, flying, and operation from skilled guys is an effective factor. Earlier than arriving in Michigan, Lug??ins spent 10 weeks studying UH-60 restore fundamentals at Jap ARNG Aviation Coaching Web site in Fort Indiantown Hole, Pennsylvania. Lug??ins started his 4-month-long on-the-job coaching on Nov. 24. Upon completion, he can have earned varied certifications and be able to attend the Aviation Upkeep Officer Course (AMOC) in Ft. Rucker, Alabama. The Latvian Air Drive’s main helicopter is the Mi-17 Hip, however they’re scheduled to amass 4 UH-60s in 2022.
As soon as this system is totally purposeful, the Black Hawks will assist enhance U.S interoperability with Latvia. It is going to additionally assist enhance NATO’s functionality within the Baltic area to offer troop carry, border safety, anti-terrorist, medical evacuation, search and rescue, and fight assist. The Latvian Nationwide Armed Forces have already got robust ties with the Michigan Nationwide Guard (MING) because of the partnership that started in 1993. Lug??ins mentioned this relationship means MING personnel have been helping Latvia each step of the best way with buying the UH-60s. The scale and scope of this initiative present how the SPP is extra than simply touring between two nations. It serves as an necessary software for international safety and executing our nation’s Nationwide Protection Technique.
