EADS North America begins UH-72A Light Utility Helicopter deliveries to the U.S. Army National Guard
First unit receiving the UH-72A is the Mississippi Army National Guard’s 1-114 Security & Support Battalion in Tupelo, Mississippi
Tupelo, Mississippi, 07 June 2008
EADS North America’s first two UH-72A Lakota Light Utility Helicopters for the U.S. Army National Guard were formally presented to the 1-114 Security & Support Battalion, which performs homeland security, counter-drug and other operations from its base at Mississippi’s Tupelo Regional Airport.
Army National Guard units will be the primary operators of UH-72As, ultimately receiving 200 of the total 345 Lakotas planned for acquisition through 2017.
“Today’s UH-72A presentation to the Mississippi Army National Guard marks an important milestone for EADS North America as we meet – and exceed – our company’s commitments to those in uniform who protect America and ensure its national security,” said David R. Oliver, Jr., EADS North America’s Executive Vice President, at this morning’s Tupelo, Mississippi handover ceremony.
The first two helicopters received by the Army National Guard were the 28th and 29th UH-72As delivered by EADS North America – all of which were provided on or ahead of schedule. Previously-delivered Lakotas have been assigned to the Army’s National Training Center Air Ambulance Detachment at Ft. Irwin, California; the Training and Doctrine Command’s flight detachment at Fort Eustis, Virginia; and the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, Louisiana.