Nevada Guard help on way to Flagstaff

A Chinook helicopter and two Black Hawk helicopters from the Nevada Army National Guard responded Monday to help emergency teams near Flagstaff, Ariz., where heavy rain and snow have caused flooding.

The Nevada Guard's assistance was ordered by Gov. Jim Gibbons at the request of Arizona authorities through a mutual aid compact.

The bulk of Black Hawk helicopters from the Arizona National Guard are deployed in Iraq, said Judy Koski, spokeswoman for the Arizona Division of Emergency Management.

She said the Nevada National Guard will be reimbursed for its service in helping the Hopi tribe and the Navajo nation near Flagstaff.

Sgt. 1st Class Erick Studenicka, spokesman for the Nevada Army National Guard, said the three helicopters and 14 crew members were expected to arrive Monday afternoon in Flagstaff after flying from their base at Stead.

He said the helicopters will deliver food, water and relief supplies to remote, flooded areas in northern Arizona where about 1,000 Navajo and Hopi people live.