Guard gets Lakotas

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Two Alabama Army National Guard UH-72A Lakota Light Utility Helicopters were unveiled during a ceremony last week. The guard is getting four of the helicopters from EADS North America, which will be based at the Army Aviation Support Facility #2 in Birmingham. The Alabama Army National Guard’s Lakotas are assigned to Detachment 1, Co. C, 2nd Battalion, 151st Aviation Regiment. The UH-72As will replace Detachment 1’s OH-58 Kiowas. EADS North America has delivered 93 Lakotas to the Army and five to the Navy. The UH-72As are built in Columbus, Miss., by the American Eurocopter business unit of EADS North America. (Source: EADS, 01/09/10)