WILMINGTON — Wilmington Police Chief Donny Williams has requested a Pave Hawk HH-60G helicopter, a modified version of the Army Black Hawk helicopter, from the U.S. Air Force
At Monday’s city council agenda briefing, he told council it would assist in the department’s search-and-rescue missions.
“It solves many limitations of our current aircraft, including the addition of rescue,” Williams said.
The Pave Hawk holds up to 22,000 pounds — seven times WPD’s current helicopter’s weight capacity — and uses a twin engine. With it, WPD could transport up to 12 individuals and hold up to four stretchers, in dire situations.
“During Florence, we were landing and doing rescues, but only one or two people at a time,” Williams told council.
Williams said the Pave Hawk can also transport medical patients.
While there would be no upfront cost to the city to acquire the aircraft, the department would be responsible for covering operational and maintenance costs, as well as training for additional personnel.
The city could receive the vehicle free of charge through the North Carolina Law Enforcement Support Office’s 1033 program. The U.S. Department of Defense permits the transfer of excess supplies and equipment to state, county and local law enforcement agencies across the country. Any property obtained must be used for law enforcement purposes and by trained officers only.
Currently, WPD operates two Bell Kiowa OH-58C choppers — also retired Army equipment — which have a maximum gross weight of 3,200 pounds. The vessels are more than 50 years old and accommodate a single pilot and tactical flight officer. The aircraft can seat one to two additional people.
“Our current helicopters are over 50 years old?” council member Clifford Barnett asked. “Should that concern us?”
Williams said the department maintains them in “tip-top” shape, but they do have a finite lifespan.
The Bell Kiowas were upgraded through grants with additional equipment, such as night vision, high-definition compact camera, telemetry system, and augmented reality system.
The helicopters are typically used for crimes in progress, supporting ground units, searching for lost people, tactical support, vehicle pursuit, surveillance, and photographic missions.
Right now, WPD has one pilot on its staff, Ryan Bailey, but the Pave Hawk would require two licensed pilots to operate. Williams said many WPD staff are former military and could qualify to fly the Pave Hawk.
The city would also have to locate hangar space to store the vehicle when not in use.
“If this was to become a reality, I would personally have to authorize all missions,” Williams said.
The aircraft would only be used in life-saving situations and “worst-case scenarios,” Williams added — it’s “not a tool of convenience.”
He compared it to the 15-passenger van versus the typical Dodge Chargers used on the roads — so it’s available if needed but not used often.
“A rescue [resource] of this magnitude, we would be the only one with this capability,” Mayor Bill Saffo said.
WPD partners with the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, Pender County Sheriff’s Office and Leland Police Department on its Southeastern N.C. Air-Borne Law Enforcement division (SABLE). The Pave Hawk can be used in the other areas as well by whomever is trained.
Saffo asked if WPD has considered reimbursement for assisting at incidents for non-partner agencies.
“We just go to it and worry about paying for it later,” Williams said.
For the Air Force, Pave Hawks have been used for search and rescue coverage in Iraq and Kuwait and to support international flood relief operations in Mozambique. One assisted with recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina, saving more than 4,300 Americans.
The aircraft will be available for local agencies in fiscal year 2024, as the federal government upgrades its own equipment.
Williams submitted a request to be included on the list of potential transfer agencies. If awarded, the police department will gather additional information about the operation and cost of obtaining the aircraft to provide to council for final approval.
Port City Daily reached out to the Air Force for additional information on maintenance costs and the reason for getting rid of the aircraft. This article will be updated when the department responds.
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