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By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

TOPEKA (AP) -- The Kansas National Guard may move some of its Black Hawk helicopters and their crews from Topeka to Wichita to better serve the state during emergencies.

Guard spokeswoman Sharon Watson said Wednesday the state has 18 UH-16 Black Hawks, five stationed in Salina and the rest at Topeka's Forbes Field. The Guard is studying whether moving some of the choppers to McConnell Air Force Base would be beneficial for other areas of Kansas.

The final decision would be made by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, Kansas' adjutant general.

Bunting said the transfer could involve from six to 10 helicopters and up to 150 Guard members, including pilots, crew members and administrative staffers.