Army Aviators Drop in for Tour of VLA

UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter
UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter at the Very Large Array

As part of a training event, the U.S. Army’s C Company, 3rd Battalion, 501st Aviation Regiment, Combat Aviation Brigade, First ArmoredDivision, based at Fort Bliss, Texas, made a stop at the Karl Jansky Very Large Array on February 20. Arriving in five UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters, they landed and met NRAO staffers for a guided tour of the radio telescope facility. The Army personnel learned about the scientific work and the technology of the VLA, and in turn answered many questions from NRAO personnel about their aircraft and their experiences in serving our nation. The training exercise was the last flight for their company commander, Capt. Chloe Flores, before her retirement from active duty. Following the tour, the aviators provided an impressive show as the five powerful helicopters lifted off and departed the VLA site.

5 UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters land at the VLA
Flag Planting Ceremony
U.S. Army’s C Company Touring the VLA

About the Author:
Dave Finley is Public Information Officer for NRAO in Socorro, New Mexico, where he handles media relations for the VLA and VLBA. He is a former editor and writer for The Miami Herald, and edited that paper's science & medicine section. He later did documentation, training, and business development for two supercomputer centers. Author of one book and editor of another, he has lectured on astronomy and other topics at universities, clubs, conventions, and on cruise ships. He is an amateur radio operator and a private pilot. He is a past president of The Albuquerque Astronomical Society, the Socorro Amateur Radio Association, the Socorro County Chamber of Commerce, and is a former squadron commander in the Civil Air Patrol. He is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps.
View All Blog Posts