PHOTOS: National Guard Unveils New Helicopter

The Maryland Army National Guard introduced their new helicopter during an orientation event at Camp Fretterd Military Reservation in Reisterstown on Wednesday.

The event gave service members and the media the opportunity to learn about the capabilities of the new UH-72A ‘Lakota’ helicopter and what benefits it brings to the Maryland Army National Guard Aviation Security and Support Battalion.

The Maryland Army National Guard received the first of four UH-72 ‘Lakota’ helicopters April 6.

Two of the four aircraft that will be assigned to the MDArNG are slated to deploy to Texas to assist the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency with surveillance support along the Southwest Border. The deployment is scheduled from June 1 through December 31 and personnel will rotate through on at least 60-day rotations.

The UH-72A ‘Lakota’ aircraft will replace the OH-58A ‘Kiowa’ helicopters.