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National Guard general seeks to block removal of helicopters

WIKIMEDIA

Dominique Pineiro

<p>120127-N-PB383-090 ARABIAN GULF (Jan. 27, 2011) A U.S. Army AH-64 Apache helicopter approaches the flight deck of the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) during deck-landing qualifications. New Orleans and embarked Marines assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) are deployed as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dominique Pineiro/Released)</p>

By: Associated Press

Posted at 4:56 PM, Jan 09, 2018

and last updated 2018-01-09 19:12:30-05

The Arizona National Guard's top general is asking members of Congress to temporarily block the scheduled removal of attack helicopters from a National Guard unit based at Silverbell Army Heliport in Marana.

Maj. Gen. Michael McGuire says the Army's decision to eliminate some National Guard attack reconnaissance units flying AH-64 Apache helicopters "will have irreversible effects" on the service's aviation capability.

McGuire expressed "great concern" about the situation in a letter to Sen. John McCain and other lawmakers who lead the House and Senate armed services committees.

McGuire's letter says the affected Arizona unit's aircraft are scheduled to be removed Friday under the Army's decision. He asks that the lawmakers block transfers of the aircraft until delegation members have time to weigh in with top Army officials.

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National Guard general seeks to block removal of helicopters

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