2nd Ed., Vol. 1: June/July 2011
SPECIAL ISSUE: Air Cav embarks on first deployment to Afghanistan
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a l r v y a B C r r i i g A ad t Commanding Officer Col. John E. Novalis, II
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Command Sergeant Major Command Sgt. Maj. Glen Vela
Public Affairs NCOIC/Editor Staff Sgt. Joseph Armas
Public Affairs Layout/Design Sgt. Richard Wrigley
In accordance with AR 360-1 and the regulations set forth by the U.S. Army Public Affairs Center, the Air Cav Journal is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. Army. Contents of Air Cav Journal are not necessarily official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, Department of the Army, the 1st Cavalry Division or the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade. All editorial content of Air Cav Journal is prepared, edited, provided and approved by the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade Public Affairs Office. The 1st Air Cavalry Brigade Public Affairs Office is located in Camp Marmal, Afghanisian
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In this issue...
1st Air Cavalry cases the colors
Page 8
1st ACB Soldiers arrive in theater
Page 9
The fleet arrives
Page 10
In this issue...
1st ACB Soldiers rebuild the fleet
Page 23
1st ACB uncases the colors
Page 25
1st ACB gets patched on July 4th
Page 26
Commander’s Corner Dear Families and Soldiers of the 1st ACB,
affairs office are doing an outstanding job capturing the ACB happenings with plenty of good pictures and First and most importantly, everyone is safe and stories. sound to date. Two holidays down: Father’s day and Thank you for your selfless sacrifice to our nation. 4th of July. Just think of next year’s 4th of July cel- God bless. ebration!! I would like to start with a big thanks to our rear de- Very Respectfully, tachment and all the Soldiers who helped the entire ACB deploy into theater. It was the best run operation COL John E. Novalis II I have experienced in my career. 1ACB, Commander It is obvious from our training and more importantly the discipline of our formation that we can handle the mission. I am confident in our Soldiers and Officers. I was able to fly to each Task Force within the last few weeks and I can honestly say we have a lot of work to do, but the Soldiers I saw are passionate, disciplined, and tackling every issue straight on. The uniqueness of each TF location will make the experience over the next year different for everyone. TF Attack has the high altitudes, moderate summer weather, but will also get 4-6 feet of snow during the winter months. TF Lobos and Coldsteel have the 20 minute travel to work each day, and the 110-120 degree heat of northern Afghanistan. TF Spearhead literally feels the brunt of the 120 days of winds. Just in the last few days, they’ve sustained winds of 40 knots. Finally TF Guns are getting the opportunity to build their area from scratch!! I told CSM Vela that each TF has their own unique “suck”. The mission is demanding and the terrain and weather are unforgiving but I could not be more proud of the operations to date. We have successfully integrated into the ground force commander’s scheme of maneuver and we are already seeing great results. Whether it is emergency resupply by CH-47, MEDEVAC missions for NATO Soldiers, Americans, and Afghans, or air weapon teams protecting forces on the ground with lethal fires, the work every Soldier is conducting is important. It’s important not only for the Afghan people but also for the coalition forces as well. It truly is a combined operation from every person in the brigade. I am personally humbled by the dedication of our Soldiers and the families supporting the home front. Our Army is amazing because of amazing people. If you get the chance to visit the Air Cavalry Warriors facebook page, please do so. Our folks in the public
csM’s Corner Welcome to Afghanistan, where we believe in Family, Discipline, Competence and Safety!! Greetings to all the Air Cav Families and friends:
I am once again proud to say that the Air Cav has hit the ground running, picking up where the 4ID‘s Combat Aviation Brigade Iron Eagles have left off. As you know, this time it is Afghanistan and not Iraq!! First let me say, we could not have gotten out of Ft. Hood without the tremendous support of our Rear Detachment and our Family readiness groups. To all who helped, thank you for an outstanding job pushing us out the door. Our transition from Texas to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom is a lot different than what we have done in the past. This deployment we will be partnered with 22 countries that are a part of NATO in Regional Command North Afghanistan. We have started building relationships with our European partners and look forward to working with
all of them in the future. Believe it or not, this part of Afghanistan is very beautiful; we have mountains to look at instead of the flat deserts of Iraq. Another big difference in this deployment is the distance between the units. We have Soldiers operating in all corners of Afghanistan. We have Taskforce Attack, with LTC Brockhard and CSM Smoots, operating in Regional Command East. Taskforce Spearhead, with LTC Alexander and CSM Pitkus, is operating in the West. We also have Taskforce Guns, lead by LTC White and CSM Greene, in RC North not too far from us. Here at Camp Marmal, we have LTC Huff and CSM Soliz leading Taskforce Lobos. Also on Camp Marmal, is the mighty Cold Steel Battalion, with LTC Hooks and CSM Durant at the controls. As you can see, being spread out as we are, we have some new challenges ahead of us. The weather here is very similar to Texas; so what I’m saying is, “It’s hot!”
Lately, we have been averaging above 100 degrees. Because of this, we are aggressively stressing the importance of staying hydrated and eating well balanced meals every day. COL Novalis and I are committed to keeping our Soldiers safe and healthy; it’s our number one priority. From the north to the south, from the east to the west of Afghanistan, and
from everywhere in between; from all of us to all of you, we hope you enjoy the Air Cav Journal. Please keep all our Troopers in your prayers, as we are doing here for you. AIR CAV! “Warrior 9”
WARRIORS ACB takes first step toward Afghanistan
U.S. Army photo by 2nd Lt. Alun Tomas
Col. John Novalis II (left), a native of Williams Port, Pa., brigade commander of the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division and Command Sgt. Maj. Glen Vela (right), a native of Fort Worth, Texas, 1st ACB, case the the Brigade’s colors during a ceremony here at Cooper Field, May 13. The ceremony marked the official beginning of the brigade’s journey to Afghanistan.
Story by 2nd Lt. Alun Tomas FORT HOOD, Texas -- A little over a year since returning from Iraq, the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade found itself in familiar surroundings and circumstances, as they held their color casing ceremony at Cooper Field, May 13, in preparation for their upcoming deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The ceremony marked the culmination of months of training, as the brigade prepares to set foot in Afghanistan for the first time, with several dozen Air Cav servicemembers having already left Fort Hood earlier in the week to set up advance operations in their new surroundings. Overseeing the ceremony was Canadian Brig. Gen. Peter Atkinson, deputy com-
manding general of III Corps and Fort Hood, who presided over the commander of troops, Col. John Novalis, 1st ACB commander and the five battalions within the brigade. The ceremony featured the traditional elements of a color casing ceremony, with the 1st CD horse detachment leading their ‘cavalry charge,’ accompanied simultaneously by a flyover of UH-60 Blackhawk and AH-64 Apache helicopters. Novalis said the ceremony represents all the hard work put forth into preparing for the deployment, which figures to be critical, in terms of mission success and adapting to unfamiliar territory. “This is the brigades first deployment in support of OEF and one which we must hit
the ground running in,” Novalis said. “We have little time to adapt; the first few weeks will be critical in determining how the deployment plays out.” There is no doubt the ACB will live up to the expectations and pressure, Novalis added, with the casing of the colors a time honored and symbolic gesture that represents the end of one journey and the beginning of another. “When we unfurl these colors in Afghanistan, they will be held high and proudly,” Novalis said. “We will protect the Afghan people the same way we did the Iraqi’s, with vigor, determination and confidence.” “Another chapter in the storied history of this great brigade is soon to be written,” he added.
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1st ACB Soldiers begin journey to Afghanistan
Story by Staff Sgt. Joe Armas 1st ACB, 1st Cav. Div. PAO
CAMP MARMAL, Afghanistan – As the sun sets on one Army aviation unit’s time in Afghanistan, a new dawn is on the horizon for another. The first wave of Soldiers from the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade began streaming into northern Afghanistan in May, setting the stage for the pending transfer of authority of U.S. aviation operations in Regional Commands North and West from the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade to the 1st ACB. According to Maj. R.J. Garcia, from San Antonio, the executive officer for 1st ACB, as the transition process begins, the brigade’s plan centers around three main objectives. “Our initial focus right now is on building our combat power in theater, training and understanding our new operational environment, and establishing our logistical footprint to support our operations as we move forward,” he said. The Soldiers of the 1st ACB began preparation for this deployment last fall, with training that focused heavily on conditions and scenarios often encountered in Afghanistan. Training ranged from aerial gunneries back at Fort Hood to a three-month, high altitude training exercise near Fort Carson, Colo. Garcia noted that once training was complete and combat readiness established, the focus turned to the families, who are enduring a short dwell time since the brigade returned from Operation Iraqi Freedom last year. “We wanted to make sure our families had the tools to help them deal with the added stresses that arise with deployments, especially with this short dwell time,” he added. Moreover, one junior non-commissioned officer, on his second deployment and first to Afghanistan, acknowledged the efforts
of the outgoing element during the transition process. “We really appreciate everything 4th CAB did to usher us into theater,” said Sgt. Curtis Hopper, a CH-47 Chinook helicopter mechanic from Peru, Ind. “It’s obvious they’ve worked hard to make improvements to the living conditions here.” Garcia echoed that sentiment. “They [4th CAB] have been tremendous in assisting us throughout this transition,”
deployed previously to Iraq with the unit. “It seems like two different worlds: Afghanistan compared to Iraq,” he said. Garcia added, “It’s a different environment that’s far more complex, but our Soldiers are excited about this new challenge.” Hopper provided his prediction for the upcoming year. “This will probably be a tougher deployment than the last one…but this is what we joined for, and it’s nice to finally be out here and get the ball rolling,” he said. Not surprisingly, after nearly a year away from their friends and family while supporting the Coalition’s efforts in Afghanistan, 4th CAB Soldiers welcomed the arrival of their 1st ACB counterparts. “Just like any other Soldiers, seeing our counterparts make their way into theater is a great feeling, because it means we are that much closer to coming home and being with our loved ones,” said Master Sgt. Vicente Mendoza, 4th CAB’s food service supervisor, originally from Mexico. “We started from scratch when we got here, and hopefully all of our hard work will pay off for the incoming unit,” he added. Finally, Garcia foresees a successful deployment for the 1st ACB, and credits the brigade’s preparation and training efforts for his assessment in that regard. “It’s a long and tough road ahead in a tough environment, but there is no doubt in my mind that we are ready for it,” he added.
“It’s a long and tough road ahead in a tough environment, but there is no doubt in my mind that we are ready for it” he said. Everyone is working together to try and get them [4th CAB] back home and get our Soldiers settled in so we can be ready to execute the mission, said Hopper. Hopper noted that one of his challenges as a leader gearing up for this deployment was getting his Soldiers to be in the right frame of mind, especially those who had
U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Armas
CAMP MARMAL, Afghanistan -- Soldiers from the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, arrrive in theater May 27.
WARRIORS
On the ground…not for long
CAMP MARMAL, Afghanistan — A CH-47 Chinook helicopter from the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, is downloaded off of a U.S. Air Force C-5 aircraft, here. Once fully assembled and mission ready, the cargo helicopter will be utilized for missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Joe Armas, 1st ACB, 1st Cav. Division Public Affairs)
WARRIORS...
...In Action
CAMP MARMAL, Afghanistan Above: Soldiers from the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, depart a U.S. Air Force C-17 aircraft May 23. The brigade will soon take charge of U.S. aviation operations in Regional Command North. Left: A crew chief with the 615th Aviation Support Battalion, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, performs maintenance on a Ch-47F Chinook cargo helicopter May 29. (U.S. Army photos by Staff Sgt. Joseph Armas)
WARRIORS
FOB SHARANA, Afghanistan -Right: A Soldier from Task Force Attack performs maintenance on an AH-64D Apache attack helicopter June 24. Below: Lt. Col. Doug Brockhard, commander, Task Force Attack, poses with Spc. Abdulhadi Azouz, command group administrative assistant, 1st ACB, June 23.
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FOB SHARANA, Afghaniatan -Above: An AH-64D Apache attack helicopter from the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, flies along the snow-capped mountains of northeastern Afghanistan June 23. Left: A Soldier from Task Force Attack performs maintenance on a UH60A Black hawk helicopter June 24.
TF Attack dent in their abilities and the abilities of the aircraft they employ. We could not do this without the hard work and sacrifices of everyone in the Task Force. It takes everyone in the Task Force to rid the world of a single insurgent. The distribution platoon is ensuring we have the fuel and ammunition we need, the Soldiers, Families and Friends of meals are outstanding, the motor pool makes sure everything stays Task Force Attack, rolling, maintenance is providing First, I have to say that I’m humbled the aircraft, and the staff is synchroand awe struck by what I’ve seen to nizing it all. We’re still getting our feet firmly date. Everyone has every reason to be extremely proud of what our planted and as soon as we get all Soldiers have accomplished so far of our equipment in, we’ll be rockand we’re still just getting settled. ing. We have received all of the We have placed the bar high and it will be hard for the other Task Forces within the Air Cavalry Brigade to meet the standard we have set so far. We deployed 363 Soldiers and over 200 pieces of equipment without incident. We have been busy getting settled in to our new work spaces, getting our systems established and while it may not be as pretty as we would like, we’re getting better every day. Since the first Soldier hit the ground, we have been in the fight. The tempo of operations is very high and everyone has done a fabulous job containers that we shipped early on adapting to the pace and the envi- that contained non-mission essential “creature comforts” which has ronment. We assumed responsibility for the helped morale despite the fact that mission on June 24th from TF Gam- some of the containers were riddled bler (4-4 AVN, 4ID) but that is not by gunfire as they moved through to say in any way that we were not Pakistan and Afghanistan on trucks. involved prior to that. The aircrews I feel particularly bad for the poor are getting accustomed to the terrain soul who had his favorite pillow and growing more and more confi- shot and then soaked with detergent
that was in the same Tuff Box! The fact that my bicycle took a round pales in comparison. While Forward Operating Base Sharana doesn’t have the amenities that many have had on previous deployments or on other bases in Afghanistan, Sharana is the “Greatest Place”. It is small, out of the way and it is ours. Compared to other locations we have it very nice in terms of weather. It has been in the low 90s during the day and in the mid-60s at night. While we have it good now, we’ll be jealous of the other bases throughout the winter months, as we’ll have a harsher winter at our location in comparison to others. FOB Sharana also has a great view of the mountains, and the stars at night are spectacular. Everyone is focused and doing an incredible job and I’m tickled pink. No one wanted to say goodbye and leave home for a combat tour but we are needed. We are doing very well here and what we’re doing will make Afghanistan a better place. Command Sergeant Major Smoots and I are extremely proud of our Soldiers and have no doubt that we will continue to excel. I’ve said before that my wife, Melanie, has a tougher job during deployments than I do. I recognize the service and sacrifices of our Families. For that, I thank you. ATTACK! LTC Doug Brockhard Attack 06
TF Lobos Lobos Soldiers, Family, and Friends, “Salaam Alaikum” and greetings from Camp Marmal, Afghanistan First and foremost, I want you to know how proud and honored Command Sgt. Maj. Soliz and I are to serve with the Soldiers of Task Force Lobos and the Warrior Brigade on this historic deployment. Once again, our battalion has heeded our nation’s call to arms, and we have responded with enthusiasm, discipline, and excellence. Task Force Lobos led the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade as the first Task Force to deploy to Operation Enduring Freedom, and our unique mission will challenge and highlight the abilities and strengths of our aircrews and aviation support personnel. Within a few days of the Lobos arrival at Camp Marmal, Afghanistan, Soldiers had begun the necessary battlefield handover coordination and training called Relief in Place. Literally sitting beside members of Task Force Mustang, the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade element we were replacing, our Soldiers learned specific tactics, techniques, and procedures for completing their combat mission from seasoned veterans with firsthand experience. These invaluable lessons were immediately put into practice when, less than 10 days after our arrival, our Soldiers assumed the driver’s seat and began conducting missions with only token oversight from Task Force Mustang. A dignified ceremony held in one of our maintenance bays along the flight line formally Transferred
Authority from Task Force Mustang to Task Force Lobos on June 22nd, 2011. Versatility is a fundamental characteristic of a Task Force Lobos Soldier. At any given time and at each of the five Forward Operating Bases on which our Soldiers are deployed, Lobos Soldiers can be found displaying the highest standards of professional conduct and ceaseless devotion to the success of our mission. Our aircrews are excelling in combat missions over the skies of Northern Afghanistan, be it conducting air assaults and ground force exfiltrations, VIP transport, medical evacuation, troop and cargo movement, or enemy engagements. In addition, our extensive support sections are working around the clock to support our flying mission, conducting aircraft and ground vehicle maintenance, providing air traffic control services, serving meals to hungry war fighters, distributing hot and cold fuels to our fleet, tracking missions and controlling our battle space, and other supporting staff functions. Clearly, it is never a slow day for the Soldiers of Task Force Lobos. Our outstanding Family Readiness Groups (FRG) and Rear Detachment have done an extraordinary job caring for our Soldiers and Families and handling the many issues that occur during a deployment. Their hard work and selfless service to our men
and women in uniform is much appreciated. I hope you have had the opportunity to become a fan of the 2-227th Aviation Battalion Facebook page. On this page you’ll see frequently updated information regarding FRG and Task Force happenings, as well as a variety of recent photographs of our Troopers in action. In closing, allow me to express my sincere gratitude to the Families of our Soldiers. I know that the days can be long and difficult without your Trooper, and I understand that your Soldier’s deployment is just as much a challenge for you who remain on the home front. Thank you for the sacrifices you make, and for supporting your Soldier while he or she is away. Your love and generosity can already be seen in the steady stream of care packages that Soldiers carry with them around the Camp. These packages, along with letters, emails, and telephone calls, benefit our ability to complete our mission, and are making a world of difference in the lives of our Troopers.
LOBO6
WARRIORS
CAMP MARMAL, Afghanistan -Above: An AH-64D Apache attack helicopter pilot with Task Force Guns, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade prepares for a maintenance test flight May 28. Right: Cpt. Roland Pugh, Headquarters Company, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, is promoted the rank of Major during a promotion ceremony June 9. FOB SHARANA, Afghanistan -Below: Soldiers from Task Force Attack perform an aircraft structural repair on an AH-64D Apache attack helicopter, June 25. (U.S. Army Photos by Staff Sgt. Joseph Armas)
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CAMP MARMAL, Afghanistan -Top: A Soldier from the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade exits a vehicle rollover simulator June 16. All Soldiers starting a deployment in Afghanistan are required to complete this rollover training for safety reasons FOB KILEGEY, Afghanistan -Middle: Col. John Novails, commander, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, presents a coin to a Soldier from Company C, Task Force Lobos, 1st ACB, June 23 for his hard work. FOB SHARANA, Afghanistan -Bottom: Soldiers from S-1 section, Headquaters Company, Task Force Attack, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division ‌ pose for a picture June 23. (U.S. Army Photos by Staff Sgt. Joseph Armas)
TF Spearhead Spearhead Team,
Combat Patch Ceremony. For those unfamiliar with this honor and tradition, the Army authorizes soldiers to wear a unit patch on their right sleeve for time spent overseas in a combat zone. The combat patch is often seen as a symbol of experience. For those soldiers that this is their first deployment, or this is the first time deployed with the Air Cavalry Brigade, it is a momentous occasion. I can think of no better way to celebrate Independence Day! I wanted to say thank you to our Spearhead families who have been busy with their own operations. The FRG has held two monthly potlucks to socialize and share with one another the experiences of a deployment and they have been a resounding success. These relationships are the foundations upon which our soldiers draw strength and are vital to the success of the Spearhead mission. We owe everyone tremendously for the work that they do behind the scenes with our families, and even more so for what they’ve done to help bond our team as we embark on this deployment. The FRG Walk to Afghanistan effort continues and the TF Facebook page has really taken off! Look there often for updated photos of your Soldiers’ in Action!
It has been a little over a month since our main body departed Fort Hood. After stops in Manas, Kyrgyzstan and Kandahar, we arrived at Shindand Airbase ready and eager to take the reins. We officially took over the mission here in Regional Command-West from Task Force Comanche (3rd Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment) during a Transfer of Authority Ceremony on the 27th of June. Regional Command-West Commander General Masiello and many others were in attendance. We have been conducting operations for several weeks now, thanks to the tireless efforts of our Soldiers. We look to settle into our battle rhythm in the coming weeks and set the pace for the rest of the deployment. Along with our Italian and Afghan counterparts we aim to make our mark in the region by supporting the soldiers on the ground, our loyal customers. There are already wheels in motion to turn Shindand Airbase into a larger hub, including putting in a second runway and building more hardened structures. We currently eat, sleep and work in Alaskan tents. It will be our duty to lay a new foundation that will allow operations to continue in this Region for years to come. Like always, I have confidence that we will succeed SPEARHEAD! beyond all expectations and we continue to work hard daily to improve our facilities and quality of life. LTC Blake Alexander On the 4th of July, the Spearhead team conducted our (Spearhead 06)
TF GUNs Soldiers, Families and Friends of Task Force Guns, Task Force Guns is now established in the North at Forward Operating Base Kunduz, PRT-Kunduz, Kilagey, and in the South at Kandahar Airfield. Our task force arrived in Afghanistan, and was split between Regional Command North and RC South as planned. The aircrews, maintainers, sustainers, and staff of TF Guns North hit the ground running to assume the mission and provide essential support that U.S. and Coalition Soldiers on the ground so richly deserve. Despite not having all their tools, equipment, or parts, the Guns Team has managed to keep all the aircraft flying, the vehicles running and the equipment that we inherited, working. Our Guns Team has also managed to make friends with our Infantry brothers, enhancing our mission success. Every day the Guns Soldiers continue to make tremendous improvements for the team’s working, fighting, and living conditions. TF Guns South, likewise, hit the ground running and immediately started conducting combat operations, even sending out our AH64D Apache helicopter pilots to RC East in order to support US Special Mission Units. With our southern element facing similar challenges in terms of assuming the dynamic mission set; the Southern Guns have continued to meet every mis-
sion with the enthusiasm, style, and pride, that truly sets the Air Cavalry apart. The pilots, maintenance, and support personnel of TF Guns South quickly earned the respect and admiration of the customers they support, as well as the respect and admiration of the 159th CAB Sol-
teams have conducted superb aerial MEDEVAC and lift support to the entire NATO team of RC North. Although they too, suffer from a lack of parts, tools, and people, their mission focus ensures they will always be ready when the call for help comes in for urgent assistance. The entire senior leadership throughout the Air Cavalry Brigade is simply amazed everyday at all the great things our Soldiers are doing for the team by accomplishing the varied and diverse missions. The sweat and hard work of the Soldiers who are building walls, desks, bunkers, and even laying down concrete, as well as assembling the very tents they have expanded into, has already paid great dividends. The quality of life has continued to improve for our unit, and the support for the Soldier on the ground continues to increase. Even though our team is spread across the entire country of Afghanistan, we are stronger than ever. Distance and separation has not diminished the camaraderie or cohesion of Task Force Guns. Our Soldiers and our families diers they operate along side of in are our strength, and we greatly apKandahar. The aircrews have also preciate the many sacrifices both received continuous praise and ac- here in Afghanistan and back on the colades from the U.S. and Coalition home-front. Forces they support. The outlying stations up in RC Stay positive, stay alert, and take North operate out of PRT-Kunduz care of each other! and Kilegey. They also assumed the mission from the outgoing unit “Guns 6” and “Guns 9” and in short order began to provide immediate medical evacuation sup- “GUNS ATTACK!” port throughout the region. Both
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Top Left: Spc. Tyler Thomas, from Oklahoma City, a UH-60A Blackhawk helicopter crewmember and door gunner for Company A, Task Force Lobos, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade scans the area while flying in Afghanistan June 20. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Richard Wrigley) Bottom Left: Capt. Richard Macchio and another soldier from Task Force Guns, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, parlay in front of a AH-64D Apache helicopter June 24. (U.S. Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Armas) Top Right:1st Sgt. Gerald Dave, company C, Task Force Lobos, Talks to a soldier while at a 9mm pistol zeroing range June 7. (U.S. Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Armas) Bottom Right: Soldiers from Task Force Attack, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, render salute during the playing of the Star Spangled Banner during a transfer of authority ceremony June 24. Task Force Attack assumed responsibility from Task Force Gambler, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade. (U.S. Army Photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Armas)
WARRIORS
WARRIORS Germany’s top military officer visits 1st ACB Soldiers at Camp Marmal
CAMP MARMAL, Afghanistan -- Gen. Volker Wieker, Germany’s top military officer, visited Soldiers of the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade May 30. During his visit, he met wih 1st ACB’s deputy commander, Lt. Col. Michael Burns as well as key leaders of the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, the outgoing unit. Wieker took to the flightline and witnessed firsthand the aircraft maintenance being done by the 1st ACB’s build teams. Furthermore, he took time to interact with Soldiers from the brigade to re-iterate the importance of the brigade’s pending role in the overall mission of Regional Command-North, which is led by the Germans. (U.S. Army photos by Staff Sgt. Joseph Armas)
WARRIORS
1st ACB maintainers prep aircraft for Afghan mission
U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Armas
CAMP MARMAL, Afghanistan -- Chief Warrant Officer 5 Charles Wiggins, a native of Killeen, Texas, and a maintenance test pilot for Company B, Task Force Coldsteel, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade inspects a tail rotor blade of a UH-60A Black hawk helicopter during a post-flight inspection May 26.
Story by Staff Sgt. Joe Armas 1st ACB, 1st Cav. Div. PAO CAMP MARMAL, Afghanistan – Tireless days that turn into tireless nights- it’s full speed ahead for the soldiers of the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division. As the brigade’s aircraft roll into theater, it is the duty of the brigade’s aircraft maintainers and maintenance test pilots to ensure the aircraft are fully mission capable and are safe for the pilots who will take the machines into combat. The process started late last month, as the first batch of helicopters began arriving in country. “It [the maintenance buildup process] starts from the time the aircraft is downloaded and transported to the area where the majority of the initial maintenance is conducted,” said Chief Warrant Officer 5 Cliff Mead, the brigade’s aviation maintenance officer, originally from Redding, Calif. See 1st ACB on next page
U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Armas
CAMP MARMAL, Afghanistan -- An aircraft maintainer with the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division performs maintenance on an AH-64D Apache helicopter May 26. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Armas)
WARRIORS 1st ACB: Build teams push aircraft into afghan footprint Comtinued from last page “Then, an initial assessment of the aircraft is made, and the build crews proceed with the initial maintenance,” said Mead. Mead notes that taking extra precautions while moving the aircraft is a must, or risking costly damage to the aircraft or injury to personnel becomes a possibility. Depending on the aircraft, he points out, the maintenance can be relatively simple, or in the case of the CH-47F Chinook helicopter, it can be a drawn out process that requires extensive time and effort. The rigging process for example, which can be time consuming, helps ensure the flight controls of the Chinook helicopter align correctly, so that the aircraft flies the way it was designed to. As for the maintainers, they
each have military occupation specialties that normally bind them to one specific airframe, whether that airframe is a CH47F Chinook, UH-60L Black Hawk, or an AH-64D Apache, according to Staff Sgt. James Wilson, section sergeant, Company B, 615th Aviation Support Battalion, 1st ACB, originally from Yorba Linda, Calif. With a time crunch that is mission critical, the maintainers have taken a flexible approach to their tasking. They’ve come together as a team to assemble and perform scheduled and unscheduled aircraft maintenance regardless of airframe affiliation. “It’s one team, one fight at this point,” said Wilson. “The goal is for the ground commanders to never notice any transition,” said Mead. “The same level of support they get today from the 4th Combat
Aviation Brigade [the outgoing unit] should be the same that they receive tomorrow from the 1st ACB.” Wilson points out that the lessexperienced soldiers in the brigade reap the benefits of being part of the build teams. “We have a lot of young soldiers out here who are relatively new to the Army and they have been doing an outstanding job to this point,” he said. “Everyone is constantly learning and improving their craft.” One of those young soldiers is Pfc. Abraham Xiong, assigned to Company D, Task Force Lobos, 1st ACB, originally from Minneapolis. Xiong, who is an AH-64D Apache helicopter mechanic, said that he relishes the opportunity to work on different airframes and expand his knowledge about overall aircraft maintenance.
“Everyone seems to have a positive attitude out here,” he said. “It’s been great working with different people and learning about the different airframes in our brigade,” he said. As the maintainers conclude their initial tasks, the baton is then passed to the maintenance test pilots, who take to the skies to ensure proper functionality of the aircraft prior to releasing the aircraft back to their assigned line units within the brigade. Xiong, who is on his first deployment, touched on what he sees as the overall big picture in reference to the work he has done along with his fellow maintainers. “When these aircraft come back from missions, to see what they do…saving lives and taking the fight to the enemy, it feels good to know that we’ll contribute in some form to their overall success,” he said.
CAMP MARMAL, Afghanistan -Soldiers from 615th Aviation Support Battalion, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, unfold a rotor blade of an AH-64D Apache attack helicopter May 26, here. The Soldiers formed part of a build team that downloaded, inspected, and performed initial maintenance on the brigade’s aircraft as the aircraft rolled into theater.
U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Armas
WARRIORS 1st Air Cav takes charge of aviation mission in northern Afghanistan
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Richard Wrigley, 1st ACB, 1st Cav. Division Public Affairs
CAMP MARMAL, Afghanistan—Soldiers from the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division along with Soldiers from the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, salute the colors during the playing of the national anthem during a transfer of authority ceremony July 1. The 1st ACB officially took charge of U.S. aviation operations for Regional Command North.
Story by Staff Sgt. Joe Armas 1st ACB, 1st Cav. Div. PAO CAMP MARMAL, Afghanistan – During this past year, Soldiers of the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, trained and prepared for a unique mission in an unfamiliar area of operations. The brigade, with a plethora of combat veterans from the war in Iraq, was faced with a new challenge: deploy and execute combat operations in the rugged and mountainous terrain of Afghanistan. The culmination of the brigade’s training and preparation for this new mission occurred during a transfer of authority ceremony here July 1. During the ceremony, the brigade uncased its colors and officially took charge of U.S. aviation operations in Regional Command North, a role previously held by the outgoing unit, the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division. The commander of the outgoing unit, Col. Daniel Williams, took the opportunity during the ceremony to reflect on the accomplishments attained by his unit during the past year in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Williams, at times emotional, noted in his speech that his unit flew almost 70,000
flight hours in support of combat operations and that 4th CAB’s medevac crews saved more than 800 lives during the past year. “The Iron Eagles can be justifiably and uniquely proud,” said Williams. “Our mission was to regain the initiative,” he said. “My personal goal and that of our commanders and Soldiers was to return with honor and valor and we did our best to live up that ideal.” Moreover, Williams expressed his well wishes for the incoming command team as he ended his speech. “I wish you god-speed and a successful year in combat,” he said. “You came well prepared with a highly disciplined, motivated and trained force. The 4th CAB regained the initiative and the 1st ACB will raise the bar to the next level.” The commander of the 1st ACB, Col. John Novalis, originally from Williamsport, Pa., paying tribute to the unit his troops are relieving, thanked the Iron Eagles for their efforts during the past year and then assured those in attendance that his Soldiers were prepared for the task at hand. “The Soldiers of the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade are ready for this mission,” said Novalis. “They are men and women who live the virtues of courage, patriotism and honor. They are simply the best.” The 1st ACB is the first brigade-sized element of the 1st Cavalry Division to deploy to Afghanistan, joining the division headquarters as the only other element of the division currently deployed in theater. Novalis, during his address to an audience that included key military leaders from various nations within the Coalition, touched on how trust will foster into success on the battlefield. “We trust in our Soldiers’ training, preparation and discipline to conduct every mission to standard and support the ground commander without fault,” said Novalis. “In turn, the Soldier on the ground can trust that the 1st ACB will always be mission ready when called upon.” The deputy commander of RC North,
Brig. Gen. Sean Mulholland, praised the Soldiers of the 4th CAB for what he said was the tremendous impact they had on overall combat operations within the regional command. Furthermore, Mulholland acknowledged the storied history of the 1st ACB and predicted that this generation of 1st ACB troopers will continue that legacy of distinguished combat service. “I have no doubt that in the next 12 months, the story of the 1st ACB will continue to be one filled with heroism and distinction,” said Mulholland. “You will continue where your predecessors left off and will make Combined Team North better.” Finally, Novalis had a message for his colleagues throughout the Coalition. “To the NATO leaders helping shape the future of this country: the Warrior brigade is honored to fight by your side.”
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Richard Wrigley, 1st ACB, 1st Cav. Division Public Affairs
CAMP MARMAL, Afghanistan—Soldiers from the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, and the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, stand at the position of attention as part of the color guard for a transfer of authority ceremony July 1. During the ceremony, the outgoing unit, the 4th CAB, cased its colors in preparation for its return to the United States. The incoming unit, the 1st ACB, uncased its colors and took charge of U.S. aviation operations in northern Afghanistan.
WARRIORS 1st ACB marks Independence Day with combat patch ceremonies came as recognition of their service in a combat zone. Soldiers of the 1st Air Cavalry CAMP MARMAL, Afghanistan – Brigade were christened as ‘First Any soldier who is assigned to the Team’ combat veterans during com1st Cavalry Division dons the divi- bat patch ceremonies July 4, apsion’s patch on his or her left shoul- proximately 235 years to the day der sleeve as a formality. America declared its independence For the division’s troopers that from Great Britain. fought in the south Pacific to those Spaced throughout Afghanistan, who scoured the jungles of Viet- each task force within the brigade nam, the right to don the division’s took the time to commemorate Inpatch on their right shoulder sleeve dependence Day with a ceremony. Story by Staff Sgt. Joe Armas 1st ACB, 1st Cav. Div. PAO
As the soldiers stood in formation and the ‘cav patch’ was placed on their right shoulders, a common sentiment of pride echoed throughout each individual ceremony. “The patch you now wear on both sleeves of your combat uniform is a historic symbol of military strength, honor and excellence that represents soldiers who have fought in every major armed conflict since the division’s creation nearly a century See Patch on next page
U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Richard Wrigley, 1st ACB, 1st Cav. Division Public Affairs
CAMP KUNDUZ, Afghanistan -- Maj. Joshua Teitge, a native of Harker Heights, Texas, and commander of Company D, Task Force Guns, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, places the 1st Cav unit patch on the right shoulder of Cheif Warrant Officer 2 Scott Roney, platoon leader, during their combat patch ceremony July 4.
WARRIORS Patch: “It’s an absolute honor...” Comtinued from last page
ago,” said Lt. Col. William Huff, commander, Task Force Lobos, 1st ACB. Huff, as he addressed his troopers, touched on the lineage that was established during the ceremony. “As you wear your combat patch, you are forever linked to the First Team members of the past, present and future,” he said. Many of the 1st ACB soldiers had already seen combat with other units and were receiving the division’s combat patch for the first time. For U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Armas others, the occasion marked the first CAMP MARMAL, Afghanistan – Soldiers from the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, stand in fortime in their careers that they would mation during a combat patch ceremony July 4. Some of the soldiers had previous combat experience and were fashion a combat patch on their awarded the division’s combat patch on their right shoulder sleeve for the first time. Others in the formation were in the midst of their first deployment and receiving the combat patch for the first time. right shoulder sleeve. One of the first-time combat patch signed to Headquarters Company, dogs and spending cherished time recipients, Pfc. David Caruana, an 1st ACB, saw the ceremony as a with their families, Soldiers staaviation operations specialist, as- rite of passage into a small group of tioned seven-thousand miles away American citizens: those who have from America’s eastern seaboard served in a combat zone. celebrated Independence Day in “Not too many people can say that their own special way. they have done what we have over One other task force commandhere,” said Caruana. er, Lt. Col. Jeff White, Task Force Another soldier, Staff Sgt. Chanell Guns, 1st ACB, talked about the Underwood, a paralegal assigned to significance of having the combat HHC, 1st ACB, said that she felt a patch ceremony on this day. sense of pride and accomplishment The idea, he said, was to highfollowing the ceremony. light the collective and individual She added, “It’s been an unbeliev- accomplishments of his unit’s Solable opportunity to deploy for the diers by having the ceremony on the first time with the 1st Cavalry Divi- same day that Americans celebrate sion.” the freedom that they enjoy. Furthermore, Caruana elaborated about what wearing the division’s combat patch meant to him. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Armas “It’s an absolute honor to wear the CAMP MARMAL, Afghanistan – The 1st Cavalry Division’s shoulder sleeve insignia is placed on the right biggest unit patch in the U.S. Army shoulder of a Soldier from the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, on my right shoulder,” he said. 1st Cavalry Division during a combat patch ceremony July 4. The brigade recently deployed to Afghanistan Ultimately, while most Americans for the first time and is conducting missions in support were watching fireworks, eating hot of the Coalition’s efforts in the country.
Saying Goodbye
I am an American Soldier. I am a Warrior and a member of a team. I serve the people of the United States and live the Army Values. I will always place the mission first. I will never accept defeat. I will never quit. I will never leave a fallen comrade. I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills. I always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself. I am an expert and I am a professional. I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy the enemies of the United States of America in close combat. I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life. I am an American Soldier.