Senator McLachlan Tours Connecticut National Guard Facilities

State Senator Michael McLachlan (center) stands in front of a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter with William Murdy, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, and members of the Connecticut National Guard.

State Senator Michael McLachlan (R-24) recently toured Connecticut National Guard facilities, including the Danbury Veterans Memorial Armed Forces Reserve Center, Camp Niantic, the 1109th Theatre Aviation Sustainment Group facility in Groton, the Army Aviation Support Facility and Windsor Locks Readiness Center and Bradley Air National Guard Base, gaining a new appreciation for the Guard’s capabilities right here in the state of Connecticut. The tour highlighted the Guard’s ability to respond to a variety of emergencies here in-state, as well as its air assets, like the Army National Guard’s fleet of helicopters and the Air National Guard’s fleet of C-130s .

“I was impressed both by the facilities and equipment at the Guard’s disposal, and also by the diverse programs and capabilities that reach beyond Connecticut’s borders,” Sen. McLachlan said. “Whatever may happen in Southern New England, I know we can count on the well-trained men and women of the Guard to handle it. We are in good hands.”

The Connecticut National Guard maintains more than 30 facilities throughout the state, and has the ability to respond to a number of different scenarios that support both the Guard’s state and federal missions.

In past instances, the Guard has provided disaster response and humanitarian relief such as flood evacuation via heavy trucks and trailers, debris clearance equipment to help clear roads, firefighting support, and support from the air via helicopter.

Staff Sargent Paul Croteau, a maintenance supervisor for the Connecticut National Guard, shows William Murdy, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army, and State Senator Michael McLachlan the interior of a UH-60 Blackhawk medical helicopter.

Sen. McLachlan was briefed on the Guard’s mission, was transported between facilities via a Connecticut Army National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter, and toured one of the state’s maintenance facilities for both the Blackhawk and Chinook helicopters.

“It was an exciting and informative day,” Sen. McLachlan said. “I appreciate the Guard taking the time to educate me about its missions and capabilities.”

Sen. McLachlan represents the communities of Bethel, Danbury, New Fairfield, and Sherman.