New York Army National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crews conduct water bucket ("Bambi Bucket") training at Round Lake, NY Wednesday May 13. A full Bambi Bucket holds 560 gallons and weights over two tons. Pilots, crews and maintenance personnel train with the bucket every spring in order to remain ready to support the New York State Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.
In July of 2018 two New York Army National Guard UH-60 helicopters equipped with Bambi Buckets were called to a forest fire in Flat Rock State Forest in Altona N.Y. where the aircrews dropped 126,000 gallons of water on the 526-acre fire over a 3 day period.
DMNA Press Releases
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Sullivan County Democrat -- Tue, 10 Feb 2026 Prepare for emergencies at free class NARROWSBURG The Upper Delaware Council (UDC) and New York National Guard invite river valley residents in New York and Pennsylvania to attend a free Citizen Preparedness Training course on... (more)
CPA Journal -- Mon, 09 Feb 2026 Remembering a Forgotten Leader and New Yorks First African American CPA: The Legacy of General Wilmer F. Lucas When Brigadier General Wilmer F. Lucas retired from the United States Army Reserve, he did so as a war hero who had led the Harlem Hellfighters at the World War II battle of Okinawa. For his... (more)
Times Union, -- Mon, 09 Feb 2026 Duty Calls: Niskayuna resident takes command of 5,100 soldiers New York Army National Guard Col. Jason Lefton of Niskayuna, an Iraq War veteran, took command of 5,100 soldiers of the 53rd Troop Command during a ceremony at Camp Smith Training Site, Cortlandt... (more)