JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD, Wa. — Soldiers from the United States Army Air Ambulance Detachment (USAAAD), 2-158th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade, conducted emergency evacuations of several civilians near Yakima, Washington, on Dec. 9 and 10, 2025, after severe flooding struck the region.
Severe weather continues to impact the Pacific Northwest, with portions of the Cascade Mountains experiencing rainfall rates of up to half an inch per hour. The excessive rainfall has led to significant flooding across the region, affecting homes, farmland, and local infrastructure.
On Dec. 9, 2025, local authorities contacted the Yakima DUSTOFF after reports emerged of individuals stranded along the Yakima and Naches Rivers. Working closely with local and state emergency officials, the Yakima DUSTOFF quickly launched rescue operations to locate and extract those in danger. Maj. Ryan Borden and Department of the Army Civilian (DAC) Randal Tatum served as the responding pilots, supported by crew chief Sgt. Drew Jenkins and flight paramedic Sgt. 1st Class Ben Byrd.
Sgt. 1st Class Byrd’s heroism was recognized by his leadership and peers for selflessly exiting the Black Hawk and immediately initiating rescue efforts during the hoist operations, ensuring the safe recovery of the stranded individuals.
“Witnessing our team spring into action and assist during the worst of Yakima’s flooding reminded me why this organization exists,” said Yakima DUSTOFF Commander Maj. Ryan Borden. “Every Soldier moved with purpose, discipline, and heart. I’ve never been more proud to stand alongside these professionals, when our community needed us most, Yakima DUSTOFF answered without hesitation.”
While Maj. Borden and DAC Tatum were responding to the first call, Yakima DUSTOFF received a second request from local authorities for additional assistance, this time involving 15 more individuals threatened by surging floodwaters. CW3 Thomas Petree and CW2 Robert Zarlenga served as the responding pilots, with Sgt. Krisopher Paranteau as the crew chief and Sgt. 1st Class Travis McConkey as the flight paramedic.
This crew responded swiftly and rescued seven individuals, while local and state authorities assisted the remaining evacuees, resulting in a collective total of 18 people safely rescued.
On Dec. 10, 2025, Yakima DUSTOFF continued their lifesaving efforts from the previous day, rescuing three people, five dogs, and one cat. Maj. Borden and Capt. Kyle Bultman piloted the missions, with Sgt. Tyler Woodland serving as the acting crew chief and Staff Sgt. Stephen Black and Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy Martinez serving as the flight paramedics. Their efforts were both impactful and commendable, ensuring all personnel and animals were rescued safely and efficiently.
In coordination with emergency responders, Yakima DUSTOFF helped rescue all 21 individuals and animals reported stranded. The crew successfully recovered seven people and several animals directly, including two individuals who became trapped on a newly formed island created by the rising waters.
“Through tragic situations of emergencies such as this, it is comforting to know that there are people out there ready to render help to those in need,” said Sgt. 1st Class McConkey, a flight paramedic for the Yakima DUSTOFF. “It is even better knowing that I get the chance to be a part of the team that helped our community in a time of need.”
Through rapid coordination, disciplined air–ground teamwork, and decisive action, the Yakima DUSTOFF team ensured everyone was safely evacuated from the affected areas.
“It was very rewarding supporting the local community in a time of need, we are always ready to assist when we are needed,” said Pilot-in-Command CW3 Thomas Petree, a MEDEVAC pilot for the Yakima DUSTOFF.
The Yakima DUSTOFF team is based out of Yakima Training Center in central Washington and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide MEDEVAC coverage for all service members training at the installation each year, as well as responding to civilian requests. The unit regularly supports both military and civilian authorities across the region during emergencies.
As part of the 7th Infantry Division, home to one of the Army’s premier USAAAD units, Yakima DUSTOFF continues to demonstrate why it is considered an elite force capable of succeeding in the most challenging and austere conditions.
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