AURORA, Colo. (AP) -- A special Colorado Army National Guard force will test its ability to respond to national emergencies by taking part in simulated events throughout Colorado.
Chinook and Black Hawk helicopters will take off from Buckley Air Force Base Thursday.
The Aviation Task Force responds to chemical, biological, nuclear, radiological emergencies or explosions caused by natural disasters, accidents or terrorist attacks.
National Guard officials say the 2nd Battalion 135th Aviation Regiment "Blackjacks" was appointed to be the Aviation Task Force for the continental U.S. They say it's the first Guard unit to be delegated the responsibility, which has been assigned to only active duty U.S. Army units in the past.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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