Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Craig Cantrell | “Attack” Battalion soldiers draw their personal weapons before deploying to...... read more read more
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FORT CARSON, Colo. – First Battalion, 2nd Aviation Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in January of 2012.
Approximately 400 soldiers deployed to support aviation operations in southern Afghanistan, marking the aviation unit’s first deployment from Fort Carson, since it relocated to the Mountain Post from Camp Eagle, Korea, three years ago.
The aviation brigade will rely on its seasoned veterans to lead first-time deployment soldiers into combat, said Master Sgt. Jim Williams, senior aviation operations sergeant, 1st Battalion, 2nd Aviation Regiment.
“We have a lot of aviators and senior non-commissioned officers that have deployed before, that are throwing a lot of experience into the deployment,” said Williams.
The brigade prepared for its first deployment since arriving at the Mountain Post, conducting multiple field training exercises and a culminating training event – a monthlong exercise testing the equipment the unit took on the deployment.
The "Attack" Battalion conducted High Altitude Mountain Environment Training, familiarizing pilots with flying at high altitudes and landing on rugged terrain in the Rocky Mountains, and sharpened its skills during four rotations in two years to the U.S. Army’s National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif.
The Attack Battalion deployed to southern Afghanistan to support ground forces, conduct reconnaissance missions and provide air transportation support, said Williams.
Once in theater, the battalion operations center will guide and consistently update more than 30 aircraft flying over Afghanistan at any time, said Maj. Nicholas Dall, operations officer, 1st Battalion, 2nd Aviation Regiment.
“We will watch the fight as it happens; we will give command decisions on aircraft lifts and movements,” said Cpl. Akeem Robinson, aviation operations specialist, assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Bn., 2nd Avn. Regt.
The battalion deployed a variety of aviation support-trained professionals, including repairmen, armament specialists and air traffic controllers.
“Anything that makes it fly, anything that has power running through it, anything that makes it shoot – that is what we fix,” said Sgt. Chris Maxwell, an AH-64D attack helicopter armament, electrical, avionics repairer, assigned to Company D, 1st Battalion, 2nd Aviation Regiment.
“We’re really excited about getting out of Fort Carson, heading down range, conducting the mission and being part of the fight in the Global War on Terrorism,” said Williams.
The "Attack" Battalion main body deployed forward, leaving a rear-detachment to provide support for the deployed troops and handle the stateside mission.
The Family Readiness Group works directly with the Attack Battalion rear-detachment to ensure all family member issues are taken care of, said Capt. Aaron Rettke, rear-detachment commander, 1st Battalion, 2nd Aviation Regiment.
The FRG provides soldiers peace of mind knowing that the rear detachment and FRG will take care of business at home station, so the soldiers can accomplish the mission, said Williams.
“My unit’s mission is to bring everyone back safe,” said Robinson. “Get over there, accomplish the mission, and bring 100 percent back.”
The 1st Battalion, 2nd Aviation Regiment. is slated for a 12-month deployment to southern Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
| Date Taken: | 01.27.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 01.30.2012 16:46 |
| Story ID: | 83031 |
| Location: | FORT CARSON, COLORADO, US |
| Web Views: | 185 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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