Chief of the National Guard Bureau Visits South Carolina National Guard

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Roberto Di Giovine | Gen. Steven S. Nordhaus, 30th Chief of the National Guard Bureau and a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, visits the South Carolina National Guard Army Aviation Support Facility located at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, South Carolina, March 12, 2025. The purpose of the visit is to engage with the local leadership, recognize excellence, and observe key operations. Accompanying him on the visit was Senior Enlisted Advisor U.S. Army John T. Raines. During his time at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, Gen. Nordhaus met with senior leaders from both the South Carolina Army and Air National Guard. His visit primarily focused on the 1st Battalion, 151st Attack Reconnaissance Regiment, where he received a mission brief on the unit’s capabilities and ongoing operations. The 1-151st ARB, a premier Apache helicopter attack battalion, plays a critical role in both state and federal missions. Gen. Nordhaus’ visit underscored the importance of strong leadership, unit readiness, and the critical missions performed by the South Carolina National Guard. His engagement with Soldiers and Airmen reinforced the National Guard’s commitment to excellence and operational effectiveness at home and abroad. (U.S. Army National Guard photo Sgt. 1st Class Roby Di Giovine)  

UNITED STATES

03.12.2025

Story by Maj. Karla Evans 

South Carolina National Guard

McEntire Joint National Guard Base, S.C. — Gen. Steven S. Nordhaus, 30th Chief of the National Guard Bureau and a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, visited the South Carolina National Guard on March 12, 2025, to engage with leadership, recognize excellence, and observe key operations.

Accompanying him on the visit was Senior Enlisted Advisor, John T. Raines, SEA to the chief, National Guard Bureau.

Nordhaus and Raines were welcomed by Col. Shawn Bowes, commander of the 169th Fighter Wing, and Col. Sean Renbarger, deputy commander of the 169th Fighter Wing.

Nordhaus met with U.S. Army Maj Gen. Van McCarty, adjutant general for South Carolina, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Jones, deputy adjutant general, Brig. Gen. Robin B. Stilwell, director of the joint staff and Governor McMaster's nominee for adjutant general, U.S. Army Col. Brian Pipkin, commander of 59th Aviation Troop Command, and U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Norris K. McCall, command sergeant major of the South Carolina Army National Guard.

His visit primarily focused on the 1st Battalion, 151st Attack Reconnaissance Regiment. The 1-151st ARB, a premier Apache helicopter attack battalion, plays a critical role in state and federal missions. South Carolina is one of two National Guard states with AH-64E Apache Version 6 (v6) models. The other state is North Carolina.

"The Apache helicopter has been a game-changer for our unit, and the AH-64E Version 6 model has taken our capabilities to the next level.” said Lt. Col. Steven P. Seigler, commander, 1-151st Attack Battalion. “As one of only two National Guard states with this advanced aircraft, we're proud to be at the forefront of Army aviation and to be playing a critical role in supporting both state and federal missions."

Nordhaus recognized outstanding Soldiers and Airmen by presenting coins of excellence. He also toured the flight facility and had orientation flight in an AH-64E Apache helicopter.

Following his time at McEntire, Gen. Nordhaus traveled to Fort Jackson to meet with National Guard Drill Sergeants.

• Date Taken: 03.12.2025
• Date Posted: 03.12.2025 19:58
• Story ID: 492682
• Location: US