Huey crews prepare for search and rescue missions Published March 28, 2009 By 2d Lt. Anastasia Wasem 319th Air Refueling Wing public affairs GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- As soon as the water of the Red River started rising, members of the 54th Helicopter Squadron at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., began preparing for search and rescue missions. Squadron members arrived at Grand Forks Air Force Base March 27, and they immediately started planning phases of mission execution. By Saturday morning, they were prepared to send out a second shift of crew members. The squadron, which has two UH-1N "Huey" helicopters currently based out of Grand Forks AFB for this mission, is using the Hillsboro, N.D. airport as the staging area for the rescue mission. "By being halfway between both Fargo and Grand Forks we're able to cover more ground for any potential rescue that may occur. If we get a call we can be in Fargo in about 20 minutes," said 1st Lt. Chris Obranovich, 54 HS pilot. These helicopters are equipped with rescue hoists, various rescue gear and are able to hold up to six people plus the crew. The hoists are able to hold 600 pounds at any given time with 250 feet of usable cable. This aircraft is also equipped with F.L.I.R., Forward Looking Infrared that allows the crew to detect heat sources for night operations. This unit has a great deal of experience in aiding rescue missions. The unit was deployed in August 2005 in support of the humanitarian effort in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The squadron also has hoist training about four times a month in preparation of an event such as this. "For helicopter crews this is why we chose helicopters. We're just happy to be able to help and represent the Air Force in support of this rescue mission," said Master Sgt. Wesley Simpson, 54 HS flight engineer.