Black Hawk helicopters return to Latvia

Take note – story published 7 years ago

United States Sikorsky UK-60 'Black Hawk' helicopters have returned to Latvia as part of NATO's Operation Atlantic Resolve.

The choppers were wheeled into a hangar after being disgorged from a transport plane at Riga airport on a grey Wednesday morning.

Their arrival was welcomed by officials including US Ambassador Nancy Bikoff Pettit.

It is not the first time the Black Hawks have been seen in Latvian skies. They have previously taken part in exercises while based at Lielvarde airbase in the center of the country, which will be their base this time around, too.

Five of the whirlybirds, and around 50 crew, will be based in Latvia on a rotational basis in more ways than one.

According to a fact sheet produced by the US Army in Europe, "Missions will include medical transport, exercise support and aviation operations throughout Europe to improve interoperability and strengthen relationships."

The deployment lasts until November.

Our colleagues at LTV were on hand and have video and photos of the helicopters arriving and being screwed back together which you can watch via the link below.

 

Seen a mistake?

Select text and press Ctrl+Enter to send a suggested correction to the editor

Select text and press Report a mistake to send a suggested correction to the editor

Related articles

More

Most important