Texas National Guard Partners with Texas Task Force 1 for Swift Water Rescue Training

On Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2014, members of the media will have the opportunity to view the joint-training exercise from a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. Seats will be limited and are on a first come, first serve basis.

The joint training will demonstrate the partnership between the Texas Military Forces and Texas Task Force 1 while conducting helicopter rescue familiarization and capability training with boat squads and rescue hoist training with the Helicopter Search and Rescue Team (TX-TF1 HSART).

“These scenarios will test our ability to react and help improve communication and coordination with our civilian partners.” said Brig. Gen. Patrick Hamilton, Domestic Operations Task Force Commander, Texas Military Forces. “Because the Texas Military Forces is involved with our local communities, this joint/interagency training builds mutual support in the event of a crisis and further enables us to better serve and defend the citizens of Texas.

For more information on the media day or to request a seat on the UH-60 Black Hawk during a portion of the training, please contact the Texas Military Forces Public Affairs Office. Please note, video and photography opportunities will be available from the ground as well, should a seat on the aircraft be unavailable.

Who is TX-TF1?
TX-TF1 is sponsored by the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) and has deployed over 90 times since 1997, including the Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy, Sept. 11th World Trade Center attack, and Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Ike. TX-TF1 can be activated by the Texas Division of Emergency Management or as one of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) 28 sanctioned urban search and rescue teams.

Members of TX-TF1 range from firefighters and medical personnel, to structural engineers, and come from all areas capable of reporting to College Station within a five-hour window. The Task Force consists of three separate units of approximately 80 members each. The teams rotate on a monthly standby, stand down or on call status.

Task Force Website: www.texastaskforce1.org/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/txtf1

Texas Military Forces Media Contact:

Laura Lopez
Public Affairs Specialist
O: 512-782-5620
[email protected]