Maine Army National Guard Aviation Rescues Three Stranded Hikers in Monson

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Part of a Maine National Guard Blackhawk Helicopter crew Sgt. 1st Class Mark Urquhart, practices using the External Hoist with the new Flotation Basket like the one used to rescue three hikers today.

AUGUSTA, ME (10/01/2015)(readMedia)-- The Maine Army National Guard sent a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter to rescue three stranded hikers on a remote, densely wooded island west of Monson on the Appalachian trail today.

The hikers, a male, and two females were stranded in the frigid and wet conditions for over 24 hours and were showing signs of exposure.

Previous ground rescue attempts were unsuccessful due to the high volume of rain causing the water to swell to dangerous levels, requiring the Maine National Guard Soldiers to utilize an external hoist with a floatation basket to safely recover the trapped hikers.

The Maine Army National Guard launched Thursday morning and the mission took approximately one hour.

The rescue team consisted of four members, Maj. Nathan Arnold, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Jon Campbell, 1st Sgt. Arthur Ward and Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Thibodeau.

"This is why we conduct interagency training," said Brig. Gen. Gerard F. Bolduc, the acting Adjutant General for the Maine National Guard. "Our service members are ready to respond at a moment's notice to work with our partners in the Maine Warden's Service. I am very pleased with everyone's performance and the teamwork that exists between the Maine Warden's Service and the Maine National Guard."

If you have any questions, please contact Maj. Norman Stickney at ng.me.mearng.list.public-affairs@mail.mil, or (207) 430-5759.