CUSTER, S.D. (AP) – Officials with the South Dakota National Guard and members of the Lakota Nation hope four new helicopters will help promote unity.

A ceremony Sunday at the Crazy Horse Memorial marked the arrival of new UH-72A "Lakota" helicopters that the Guard will use for non-combat missions such as medical transports. The ceremony included a Native American blessing, singing and dancing, and a commemorative blast on the mountain carving of the Lakota warrior.

"I am proud that we have the National Guard doing something like this," Master Sgt. Kelly Moore said. "This event has brought both the National Guard and the Lakota Nation together to help promote unity."

U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem, R-S.D., and South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard both spoke at the ceremony, saying the helicopters will help strengthen relations with tribes.

Charles Murphy, chairman of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in North Dakota and South Dakota, said the helicopters will honor many.

"'Lakota' is a word that will represent all the people in Indian Country, particularly the seven tribes within North and South Dakota and Nebraska," he said. "And we appreciate that, we really do."

The Guard has four of the new helicopters and is scheduled to get two more in about two years.