US military units support efforts to battle wildfires on Big Island, Maui

Active duty military units of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command are providing support to firefighting efforts on the Big Island and Maui.

The U.S. Army 25th Combat Aviation Brigade deployed two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters and one CH-47 Chinook helicopter to Hawai‘i Island to conduct firefighting operations. Additionally, U.S. Navy Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 37 sent MH-60R Seahawk helicopters to assist the U.S. Coast Guard in search and rescue operations on Maui.

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command forces stand ready to assist as requested by the state of Hawai‘i and the Hawai‘i National Guard.

“We offer deepest condolences to those families and communities that have been devastated by the destructive wildfires,” said a statement from the command. “Our hearts and thoughts are with the people of Hawai‘i and with first responders as they fight the wildfires.”