Archive image: A simulated casualty is lifted into a HH-60L Black Hawk helicopter for medevac during the Combined Jungle Operations Training Course at Base Aeronaval Cristóbal Colón, Panamá, Dec. 2, 2025.
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Trey Woodard.
Story by Sgt. Timothy Jackson, DoD Southern Border 2025
FORT HUACHUCA, Arizona. – A Task Force Falcon and aviation unit in Joint Task Force-Southern Border HH-60L Black Hawk helicopter aircrew conducted the medevac (medical evacuation) of two injured people in the Big Bend Sector of Texas.
Local emergency medical services (EMS) first reported an ATV rollover involving two people to Task Force Falcon’s operations center at 3:42 p.m. The task force then quickly prepared for launch, but locating the casualties presented challenges. The Big Bend area presents an unforgiving landscape of jagged mountains and deep canyons carved by the Rio Grande, making every mission demanding.
“Terrain association was definitely something that played a factor when I was locating the patients,” said Warrant Officer 1 Joshua Marsh, a Black Hawk helicopter pilot. “Doing a map recon en-route was crucial for us to identify where we need to be, would look like and knowing the terrain well in advance en-route was crucial for patient pickup.”
When the HH-60L Black Hawk aircrew arrived on scene, an elderly woman and man were already being treated by local EMS and volunteers. Interveinal (IV) fluids already started on both patients, so the crew quickly loaded them into the rescue helicopter and began the flight to the University Medical Center in El Paso, Texas.
“With the HH-60 Black Hawk MEDEVAC platform, we can carry up to six patients at a time, essentially setting up a little (intensive care unit) ICU in the back of the helicopter,” said Staff Sgt. Louie Surita, a flight medic with the 10th Mountain Combat Aviation Brigade. “A civilian helicopter can only take one patient because they have very limited space in the back of their helicopter.”
During the flight, two medics worked diligently to ensure both patients received proper care. They performed a secondary assessment to determine whether the patients sustained any broken bones or traumatic brain injuries.
“In flight, we administered some pain medication,” said Surita. “We went through our secondary assessment. And before we knew it, you know, we were in El Paso.” Upon arrival, the patients were transferred to the care of hospital staff. One patient sustained a few broken ribs but was able to recover and both were discharged within 24 hours.
This mission demonstrated the JTF-SB’s constant watch of the border and its aligned sectors. Moreover, on a national day of gratitude and thanks, their ability to adapt, respond, and deliver advanced medical care under challenging conditions.
For the HH-60L Black Hawk aircrew, it was not only a test of skill but also a defining experience of commitment to service and the unique military capabilities the military of the Joint Task Force–Southern Border.
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