Air Force's last Huey departs Hurlburt Field

by Senior Airman Kentavist Brackin
1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

6/12/2013 - HURLBURT FIELD, Fla.  -- The Air Force's last operational UH-1H Huey helicopter made its final departure June 5 from the flightline here.

The helicopter is one of four aircraft transferred to New York State Police's aviation unit as part of the Law Enforcement Support Organization Program.

"It was a great opportunity for [Air Force Special Operations Command] to be able to give a helicopter like this to the law enforcement support agency supporting New York State police aviation," said Ben S. Harton Jr., AFSOC aerospace vehicle distribution officer.

The LESOP matches assets, which are no longer needed, with U.S. civilian law enforcement agencies requests.

It's a great program, according to Phil Napolitano, chief pilot for NYSP aviation crew.

"We're getting a great piece of equipment from the military that is being phased out," he said. "When you buy an aircraft like this nowadays, you're talking millions of dollars, but it cost essentially nothing for us."

Napolitano said the NYSP plans to use the Huey primarily for utility, cargo, and search and rescue missions.