UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters to descend on campus as part of military training exercise

More than 60 ROTC Cadets from Notre Dame College, John Carroll University, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland State University and Hiram College will assemble at Notre Dame on Fri. Oct. 21 to be air-transported to field training exercises in Ravenna, OH.

Plans call for two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters to make two landings on the campus, the first at 9:30 a.m. and the second at approximately 11:00 a.m.

The landing zone will be the open area directly in front of the College's Administration Building facing College Road. The exercise is contingent on favorable weather conditions, and safety of all involved is the top priority.

We want to make sure everybody is aware that this is a training exercise only, and there is no threat or emergency present. Neighbors of the College will be notified in advance. This exercise offers a rare and outstanding opportunity to give the cadets first-class, hands-on experience that will make them better- prepared soldiers in the future. Please consider the dedication of these cadets and the importance of state- of-the-art military training as they prepare to protect us, our families, and our freedom in times of peace and war. These are very serious students with a very serious purpose.

Please come to the front lawn if you are able and join in the excitement of the day.

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About the aircraft: The UH-60 Black Hawk is a four-bladed, twin-engine, medium-lift utility helicopter manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft. The UH-60A entered service with the Army in 1979 as the Army's tactical transport helicopter. Modified versions have also been developed for the U.S. Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. In addition to U.S. Army use, the UH-60 family has been exported to several nations. Black Hawks have served in combat during conflicts in Grenada, Panama, Iraq, Somalia, the Balkans, Afghanistan, and other areas in the Middle East.

An interesting note: It was a specially modified "stealth" version of the Black Hawk that transported the elite Navy SEALs team on the top-secret mission that resulted in the death of al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.

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