The unit trained and qualified over 40 personnel, reflecting their commitment to readiness, operational growth, and strengthening capabilities that support public safety during wildfire response.
U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Samantha Hill.
Story by Sgt. Samantha Hill, Arizona National Guard
PICACHO, Ariz. – Soldiers with the 2-285th Assault Helicopter Battalion, Arizona Army National Guard, conducted an aerial firefighting training and qualification using UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters equipped with Bambi Bucket at Picacho Stage Field, Ariz., hosted March 5 by the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management.
The training ensures Arizona National Guard Soldiers remain prepared to combat wildland fires from the air. The training included classroom instruction and field drills designed to test coordination between helicopter and firefighting ground crew personnel with the 2-285th Assault Helicopter Battalion, Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, Bureau of Land Management, United States Forest Service and local fire departments practiced interagency operations to train and qualify in the call for and execution of aerial water drops.
Training like this enhances collaboration between military and mutual aid agencies while reinforcing the Army National Guard’s dedication to readiness and emergency response.
«This training is critical for ensuring our crews are ready to respond effectively to wildland fires when called upon,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stephan Hilgendorf, 2-285th Assault Helicopter Battalion instructor pilot. “Flying with the Bambi Bucket requires precision, teamwork and clear communication with ground crews to deliver water safely and efficiently where it’s needed most. The opportunity to train alongside firefighting professionals in real-world scenarios strengthens our ability to integrate into joint operations and protect lives, property and natural resources, directly supporting our communities.”
The training strengthens operational readiness while supporting community security and expanding the unit’s capability to respond to increasingly complex wildfire threats.
U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Samantha Hill.
More than 40 UH-60 Black Hawk pilots and crew chiefs successfully qualified in aerial firefighting for the 2026 season. Each crew member is essential in mission execution. While the pilots navigate the sky, the crew chiefs play a pivotal role in ensuring the success of aerial firefighting operations.
“The crew chief is the one who truly directs the Bambi Bucket,” said Staff Sgt. Tyler Mowbray, 2-285th crew chief. “We are the pilot’s eyes on the ground and the steady hand ensuring 600 gallons of water is picked up, flown and delivered with precision and safety. Without our constant vigilance and communication from the cabin, the bucket is just dead weight. With us, it’s a mission-critical tool.»
Given Arizona’s unique conditions, where fire season is not confined to a select period and wildland fires can ignite year-round, it is essential for the Arizona National Guard to maintain a constant state of readiness. Through real-world training and interagency coordination with local mutual aid partners, the battalion remains committed to being always ready and always there to respond to emergencies at home.
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