Soldiers with the 2-285th Assault Helicopter Battalion, Arizona National Guard, conduct Bambi Bucket training and qualification in Picacho, Ariz., March 5, 2025. The training sharpens coordination between pilots and crew chiefs while sustaining the unit’s readiness to respond to wildfires and to support operations at home and abroad.
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PICACHO STAGE FIELD, Ariz. — Soldiers with the 2-285th Assault Helicopter Battalion, Arizona Army National Guard, trained alongside federal, state and local firefighting partners during helicopter bucket aerial firefighting qualification hosted by the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, March 5, strengthening the state’s ability to rapidly respond to wildland fires.
The training ensures Arizona National Guard Soldiers remain prepared to combat wildland fires from the air. It included classroom instruction and field drills designed to test coordination between helicopter crews and firefighting ground crews. Personnel with the 2-285th AHB, DFFM, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, and local fire departments practiced interagency operations to train and qualify in calling for and executing aerial water drops. Trainings like these enhance collaboration between military and mutual aid agencies while reinforcing the Army National Guard’s dedication to readiness and emergency response.
“This training is critical for ensuring our crews are ready to respond effectively to wildland fires when called upon,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stephan Hilgendorf, 2-285th instructor pilot. “Flying with the Water Bucket requires precision, teamwork and clear communication with ground crews to deliver water safely and efficiently where it’s needed most. The opportunity to train alongside firefighting professionals in real-world scenarios strengthens our ability to integrate into joint operations and protect lives, property and natural resources, directly supporting our communities.”
More than 40 UH-60 Black Hawk pilots and crew chiefs successfully qualified in aerial firefighting for the 2026 season. Each crew member is essential to mission execution. While the pilots navigate the aircraft, crew chiefs play a pivotal role in ensuring the success of aerial firefighting operations.
“The crew chief is the one who truly directs the helicopter bucket,” said Staff Sgt. Tyler Mowbray, 2-285th crew chief. “We are the pilot’s eyes on the ground and the steady hand ensuring 600 gallons of water is picked up, flown and delivered with precision and safety. Without our constant vigilance and communication from the cabin, the bucket is just dead weight; with us, it’s a mission-critical tool.”
Given Arizona’s unique conditions, where fire season is not confined to a single period, and wildland fires can ignite year-round, it is essential for the Arizona National Guard to maintain a constant state of readiness. Through real-world training and interagency coordination with local mutual aid partners, the battalion remains committed to being always ready and always there to respond to emergencies at home.
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