Story by Maj. Benjamin Hughes May 6, 2026 at 03:15PM The Maryland National Guard (MDNG) supported a massive search and rescue exercise (SAREX) spanning 20 square miles of land and water, from the Loch Raven Reservoir Dam to Gunpowder Falls State Park, along with emergency responders from around the state, April 23, 2026.
The MDNG Joint Staff coordinated the response of a CH-47 Chinook, two UH-60 Black Hawks with rescue-trained civilian firefighters of the Maryland Helicopter Aquatic Response Team (MD-HART), and two Light Medium Tactical Vehicles (LMTVs) in support of civilian authorities during the exercise to enhance Maryland’s statewide preparedness, interagency coordination, and operational capabilities.<br /><a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/564560/maryland-guard-supports-search-rescue-exercise-with-state-and-local-first-responders"><img src="https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2605/9654149/250w_q95.jpg" width="250" alt="Maryland Guard supports search & rescue exercise with state and local first responders" /></a>
