Military deploys Black Hawk choppers to aid operations in western Mindanao

Two Black Hawk helicopters acquired by the military were deployed to western Mindanao on Thursday to aid the operations of troops in the region.

The S70i Black Hawk utility helicopters flew over Zamboanga City before they were received by the Tactical Operations Wing-Western Mindanao (TOW-WM), the Air Force unit under the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom), at the Edwin Andrews Air Base.

The helicopters will be used to perform various missions, including combat support and quick response operations for humanitarian aid in the region, according to the WestMinCom on Friday.

“We are very grateful that the top brass considered the deployment of these air assets which will greatly contribute to the accomplishment of our missions here in western Mindanao,” said WestMinCom commander Major General Alfredo Rosario Jr.

“Expect that with the deployment of the Black Hawk helicopters in our unit, our operations will greatly improve as these helicopters have larger capacity and more impressive horsepower allowing a faster and longer-range transport. In addition, the said helicopters have the ability to absorb high-impact velocities enabling it to withstand strong turbulent winds,” added Colonel Dennis Estrella, wing commander of TOW-WM.  — Jiselle Anne Casucian/VBL, GMA News