Blackhawk In the Park
Cal Guard Aviators Attend Flood Preparedness Jamboree
Story and photos by Master Sgt. Salli Sablan
California National Guard Public Affairs
Nov. 28, 2023
Natomas, Calif. – On a clear, sunny day, families, kids, and dogs roamed the grounds of North Natomas Regional Park where Cal Guard’s aviators joined local police officers, firefighters, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and other partner agencies with a spotlight on flood preparedness.
"We are always standing by to respond in case of any natural disasters such as wildfires, floods, earthquakes, etc. This is our home, too; and we are honored to protect it and the wonderful people of our community,"
Children enjoyed climbing on various debris removal, heavy equipment.
Children enjoyed climbing on various debris removal, heavy equipment.
High-water Jamboree
“The torrential rains in California earlier this year served as a great reminder of how important flood and emergency preparedness can be,” said Daniel Bowers, director of Natomas Office of Emergency Management. “The High-water Jamboree is a fun and easy way to start that process.”
The City of Natomas’ annual event was named after a “high-water mark,” a term that describes the highest known elevation of a body of water during a flood.
“Because the city of Sacramento is located between two rivers and at a low elevation, it is at a high risk for flooding,” said Bowers. “It’s critical for residents to be educated about how they can protect their families, homes and communities.”
There were many heavy equipment, debris removal vehicles present at the High-Water Jamboree.
There were many heavy equipment, debris removal vehicles present at the High-Water Jamboree.
Child sits in drivers seat while parents hover on a debris removal vehicle at the High-Water Jamboree.
Child sits in drivers seat while parents hover on a debris removal vehicle at the High-Water Jamboree.
The Cal Guard has many options to provide support in the event of floods: high- water vehicles for evacuations, military police for traffic control and aviation for multiple uses. At this event, they brought a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter to showcase their capabilities.
The Blackhawk is commonly referred to as the Army’s work horse as it provides medical evacuation, command and control, and overall mobility in troop and cargo lift capacity. It’s so adaptive that it’s been in use over 40 years and projected for 20 more.
Blackhawk in the Neighborhood
“It’s nice to attend an event with an opportunity to interact with the public,” said Sgt. Kurtis Houser, crew chief with Charlie Company, 2-135th Aviation Regiment, Mather Field, Sacramento.
Houser is a 16-year military veteran with four years in the Guard. He’s also supported four combat tours to Iraq and Afghanistan. His passion for aviation and helicopters brought him to this career at an early age.
“When others wanted to be superheroes or astronauts, I just wanted to fly helicopters; and here I am,” Houser exclaimed.
At the event, many guests made commented on how surprised they were that the aircraft is a lot bigger than they thought and how much room there is to work, said Houser.
“At these kinds of events, we can give answers, as well as boost the public’s confidence in knowing what our capabilities are in case of an emergency,” he said.
The event also provided the opportunity for the Soldiers to connect with partner agencies.
“What’s really great about connecting with other agencies is learning their capabilities and potentially connecting for joint training to better serve the public," said Houser. "It’s also good to establish relationships so we can more easily know who to reach out to in the event we need to help each other.”
Houser also spoke to folks about the difference between pilot and crew chief tasks.
“Not only are we responsible for the safety of the passengers, but we are also in charge of correctly loading the aircraft to preserve the center of gravity,” said Houser. “Crew chiefs are also responsible for the safety of the medics, and patients while operating the hoist and simultaneously communicating with the pilot to make sure everything goes smoothly.”
Spectators were able to see throughout the aircraft.
Spectators were able to see throughout the aircraft.
Spectators were able to see life-saving staged equipment.
Spectators were able to see life-saving staged equipment.
Chief Warrant Officer 3 Spencer Hames, Charlie Company, 2-125th Medical Evacuation, Mather Field, Sacramento also attended. Hames is a 17-year-veteran with deployments to Afghanistan and Kosovo, who grew up wanting to be a pilot from a very young age.
His experience as a tactics instructor pilot for the Guard, and work for the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy when not on active duty, provided a personal touch to interacting with peple at the event.
“It is an honor to support the city and show the public the resources that are always standing by to protect them when the unthinkable happens,” said Hames.
Many visitors asked him questions about fuel endurance, lift capacity, and even questions on weaponry. Hames explained to them how the medical airlift rescue mission does not include weaponry.
Hames said the main benefit in attending these kinds of events is streamlining communication by identifying point of contacts for each agency. It also allows agencies to learn how the request for the support process works and how to coordinate future training and missions.
Hames explained how the Guard frequently works with federal, state, and local government agencies to provide interagency training. This results in a rapid response of our aviation assets to any critical situation.
“We are always standing by to respond in case of any natural disasters such as wildfires, floods, earthquakes, etc.," said Hames proudly. "This is our home, too; and we are honored to protect it and the wonderful people of our community,”
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