Sikorsky Aerospace Maintenance hosts rollout ceremony for US Customs & Border Protection Agency UH-60 A-A to L recapitalisation aircraft

Sikorsky Aerospace Maintenance has rolled out the first US Customs & Border Protection Agency (CBP) UH-60 A-A to L recapitalisation aircraft at its Chase Field Operations Center in Texas.

A major aviation facility for Sikorsky Aerospace Maintenance, the Chase Field Operations Center also has become a pivotal location for aircraft overhaul, repair and upgrades for the US Department of Defense, other US government agencies, and allied foreign militaries around the world.

“This facility provides customers with the ability to upgrade and modernize their H-60 fleets without hindering the current production at the Corpus Christi Army Depot,” said David Adler, President of Sikorsky Aerospace Services. “The CBP aircraft marks the first non-standard A-A to L recapitalization upgrade done at Chase Field. We look forward to continuing our upgrade work and meeting the Army’s goal of fleet modernization to ensure mission readiness.”

Based largely on the success of the H-60 Recapitalization and Upgrade Program program started seven years ago at the Corpus Christi Army Depot (CCAD), it has proven to be one of the most effective and productive fleet maintenance programs ever accomplished by the US Army.

“The Customs and Border Protection Agency saves lives every day,” said Colonel Neil Thurgood, Project Manager, Utility Helicopters. “This new UH-60L aircraft provides them with a machine that represents the culmination of 6 million flight hours of Black Hawk helicopter experience. I know they will put it to good use in support of America’s defense.”

Lieutenant Colonel Bert Vergez, Product Manager for the UH-60 A/L/M, said: "Chase Field operations will be an extension of a very successful partnership at Corpus Christi Army Depot for UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter recapitalization to our US government sister-service organizations and foreign military sales partners."

The UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter brings tremendously improved power, durability, and reliability to the US Customs and Border Protection fleet. Equipped with features that will enhance both mission capability and readiness, it shares the performance improvements of all US Department of Defense service aircraft.