Black Hawk Helicopter Lands At West Orange High School

WEST ORANGE, NJ — A Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter landed on Conforti Field at West Orange High School last week as a salute to Veterans Day.

According to district administrators, a team of National Guard members arrived with the helicopter, which was brought in from Lakehurst as part of the JAFROTC training program. After disembarking, the guards members answered questions and showed students the inside of the Black Hawk.

The helicopter is typically used for air assault, general support, aeromedical evacuation, command and control, special operations support to combat, and stability and support operations.

JAFROTC Commander Major Josephy Marchesini and Chief Ricardo Thurston were on hand to welcome the National Guard members, along with high school administrators and members of the West Orange police and fire departments.

Two of the guard members were alumni of West Orange High School: class of 2008 captain Ellis Mensah, and class of 2017 member Ashley Kuglin.

After the visit, the JAFROTC attended the township's annual Veteran's Day ceremony. The high school held its own ceremony on Nov. 10.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Sign up for Patch email newsletters. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Don’t forget to visit the Patch West Orange Facebook page.