Governor Huntsman Calls for Stand-down, Fleet Inspection

Statement

Governor Huntsman Calls for Stand-down, Fleet Inspection

After the Apache helicopter crash Monday evening, Governor Jon Huntsman called for a mandatory stand-down of the Utah Army National Guard aircraft. The stand-down, with necessary exception, will continue through a preliminary review of the incident and any appropriate inspection of all helicopters.

He issued the following statement:

Mary Kaye and I are saddened by the terrible loss of the two Army National Guard pilots. We extend our deepest sympathies to the families on behalf of a grieving State.

This is another terrible tragedy for Utahns to bear this black August. As Commander in Chief of the National Guard, I grieve for the families and the whole Utah National Guard family.

I think this is particularly difficult to bear considering both pilots safely returned in 2005 from their tour of duty in Afghanistan.

We must remain vigilant in our support of the troops and all that they are doing. But our most important priority is to ensure all safety precautions are being taken.

Source