Evergreen Helicopters Inc. today begins providing helicopter services and support operations in Hawai'i under a contract with O'ahu-based U.S. Army Garrison Hawai'i.

The $3.5 million contract, in effect through February 2008, involves providing medevac services for military personnel, and fire-suppression support on O'ahu and the Big Island.

The Evergreen contract includes two new Bell 412EPs for operations on O'ahu and at the Pohakuloa Training Area on the Big Island.

Crews will maintain a 24-hour standby alert to provide air medical evacuation services and wildland fire-suppression support response. The helicopters are equipped for night-vision operations, rescue hoists and a full complement of medical support devices for onboard patient support.

"Evergreen Helicopters is very pleased to have the opportunity to provide our turn-key service to the U.S. Army in Hawai'i. We have a long history of providing safe and effective aviation services which protect life and property in communities of all sizes in the U.S., and throughout the world," Evergreen Helicopters President David Rath said in a news release.

"We are very excited about this latest contribution in support of U.S. military and DoD personnel, and look forward to expanding our capabilities to include the support of Hawai'i residents and visitors on all the Islands."

EHI has partnered with Priority 1 Air Rescue, of Kaua'i, to provide emergency medical services aboard the aircraft.

"Evergreen and Priority 1 share a dedication to the aviation industry and a passion for using our constantly improving capabilities to protect life. We have a proven track record of successful teaming on various other assignments, and are confident that our combined expertise will benefit this area, as well," said Evergreen Helicopters Executive Vice President Ron Selvy.

Evergreen Helicopters is part of Evergreen International Aviation Inc., headquartered in McMinnville, Ore.